Trump abruptly ends Meet the Press interview after dispute over election fraud claims

President Donald Trump terminated a televised interview with NBC’s Meet the Press on Friday after a contentious dialogue with host Kristen Welder regarding claims that the 2020 presidential election and the California governor’s race were fraudulent. The interview, recorded in Wisconsin and aired on Sunday, turned sharp when Welder asked Trump for evidence of wrongdoing in the California contest. Trump responded by accusing the journalist and the program of bias, stating, "> They’re crooked, just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked. And Meet the Press is crooked."

When pressed for details, Trump repeated that the elections were rigged and dismissed further questioning, saying, "> You’re either crooked or you’re stupid. You play right into their hands with this crap."

The former president also declined to answer a question about whether individuals who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot should receive funding from a federal program he supports. He suggested, without providing evidence, that the defendants were coerced by federal agents.

After a brief exchange, Trump announced he was ending the interview, saying, "> Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time."

NBC News did not respond to requests for comment on the incident.