Trump ends NBC interview after questioning over weaponization fund and election fraud claims
President Donald Trump left a taped interview with NBC's Meet the Press after being asked for evidence on his proposed $1.776 billion weaponization fund and his repeated assertions of election fraud.
President Donald Trump terminated a taped interview with NBC’s Meet the Press on a Wisconsin farm after host Kristen Welker pressed him on a proposed $1.776 billion “weaponization” fund and his claims of election fraud. The fund, which Trump said would compensate individuals he described as victims of “lawfare,” has been blocked by a court and was described by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as permanently halted.
"If it was up to me, I'd pay them the kind of money that they deserve," Trump said, adding that many people have been “destroyed” and “lives have been destroyed.”
Trump linked the fund to a settlement that ended his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, noting that the agreement also shields him and his related entities from future tax audits for prior years.
When questioned about his suggestion that the FBI directed Jan. 6 rioters into the Capitol, Trump offered no evidence, and the claim has been widely refuted by video footage. He then shifted to allegations of ongoing election fraud, citing the 2024 California primaries and asserting that “the election was rigged.”
"They're cheating on the election," Trump said, adding that he relies on “listening to people” for confirmation.
Welker repeatedly asked for documentation to support the president’s statements, and after several redirects, Trump concluded the interview, stating he had “had enough” and exiting the set.