Trump slams host as “crooked or stupid” in explosive TV clash

President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after a heated exchange with moderator Kristen Welker, accusing the media of being “crooked” and repeating claims about “rigged” elections.

The interview, which aired Sunday, was recorded on Friday, June 5, in Wisconsin during Trump’s visit for an agricultural roundtable. Filmed inside a metal barn with a tractor nearby, the conversation was intermittently disrupted by heavy rain.

Tensions escalated in the final segment when Welker questioned Trump about the proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which his administration has officially stepped back from pursuing. Pressed on whether he was abandoning the initiative, Trump defended the concept, saying, “If it was up to me, I’d pay them the kind of money that they deserve,” while acknowledging it would require approval to proceed.

The exchange intensified when Welker raised the issue of individuals involved in the January 6 attack. Trump responded, “I wouldn’t be inclined to say so, but I have to see it,” before alleging misconduct by law enforcement and claiming without evidence that “They had FBI agents ushering them into the building.”

Welker repeatedly challenged these assertions, stating, “There’s no evidence of that, sir,” and later emphasizing, “there’s no evidence of what you’re saying.” Trump countered, “There’s a lot of evidence… There’s nothing but evidence.”

The discussion then shifted to election integrity, with Trump asserting, “The election was rigged,” and calling ongoing vote counting in California “crooked.” When asked for proof, he replied, “All I have to do is look,” prompting Welker to respond, “But that’s not evidence.”

The interview deteriorated further as Trump attacked the media, telling Welker, “You’re either crooked or you’re stupid,” and accusing major networks of bias. The confrontation culminated with Trump ending the interview abruptly: “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough.”

Welker attempted to continue, noting the effort to conduct the interview, but Trump stood firm, saying he had “given you enough time” and criticizing the press as dishonest.

By Tamilla Hasanova