Donald Trump abruptly ended a 'Meet the Press' interview with Kristen Welker after a heated exchange about a proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund and his comments about Jan. 6 participants. Welker repeatedly challenged Trump's unsubstantiated claims — including allegations that FBI agents 'ushered' people into the Capitol and that California's vote counting was rigged. Frustrated, Trump called the press 'crooked,' tossed his microphone, and left the rainy Wisconsin set; Welker said he agreed to a follow-up interview.
‘I’ve Had Enough’: Trump Walks Out of ‘Meet the Press’ After Heated Exchange Over Jan. 6 And Election Claims
'I've Had Enough': Trump Storms Out Of 'Meet The Press' Interview In Total Meltdown
Former President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with 'Meet the Press' host Kristen Welker after a tense back-and-forth that culminated in him tossing his microphone and walking off the set in rainy Wisconsin.
What Happened
The exchange escalated after Welker pressed Trump about a proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund — a plan the administration has said it is 'not moving forward' on. During the segment, Trump did not rule out the possibility of taxpayer-funded payouts to some Jan. 6 participants and repeated several claims about the Capitol riot that Welker challenged as unsubstantiated.
Key Exchanges
Welker repeatedly pushed back when Trump advanced assertions for which he offered no verifiable evidence. Trump claimed that FBI agents had 'ushered' people into the Capitol and questioned the credibility of those who pleaded guilty to assaulting officers — claims that are widely disputed and lack corroborating evidence.
Trump: 'All I have to do is look.'
When Welker asked for evidence, she reminded him that 'that's not evidence.' The discussion later turned to California's vote counting; Trump alleged the process was corrupt without presenting proof. He then attacked the press more broadly, telling Welker that she and her network were 'crooked' and adding, 'You're either crooked or you're stupid.'
Exit
As rain pattered on the metal roof above the outdoor set, Trump said, 'Let's call it quits because I've had enough,' threw down his microphone, gestured dismissively at Welker and left the camera shot after signaling to his team to depart. Welker urged him to stay, noting she had traveled for the interview, but Trump said he'd 'sat in the rain' and felt he had given ample time.
Aftermath
After the interview aired, Welker said she and Trump had spoken beforehand and acknowledged the complications the rain caused. According to Welker, Trump agreed to a follow-up interview. The segment drew broad attention for both the substantive disputes over Jan. 6 and election integrity and the dramatic manner in which the interview ended.
Note: The article reports Trump's claims and characterizations; several of the assertions described in the interview — including the claim that FBI agents 'ushered' people into the Capitol and that California's vote counting was 'rigged' — are presented here as allegations without corroborating evidence.
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