President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker on Sunday after a sharp exchange over his proposed “anti-weaponization” fund, the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and election integrity claims.
The interview, taped Friday at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, aired on “Meet the Press.” Rain interrupted portions of the roughly 50-minute session.
The final six minutes were marked by repeated interruptions as Welker pressed Trump on factual disputes. Trump declared he had “had enough,” called NBC a “one-sided crooked network,” and walked out.
Dispute Over Anti-Weaponization Fund
The exchange began with questions about a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. The Justice Department had announced the fund as part of a settlement resolving Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the department is “not moving forward” with the fund, citing congressional and judicial concerns.
Welker asked Trump whether he was abandoning the plan. Trump defended the concept, saying people had been “hurt so badly by radical left lunatics” during the Biden administration, including through investigations and the Mar-a-Lago search.
“If it was up to me, I’d pay them the kind of money that they deserve,” he said. He added that he thought the fund was “a great idea” and would be disappointed if Congress did not approve it.
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When asked if individuals who attacked police officers on January 6 should receive payments, Trump replied: “I wouldn’t be inclined to say so, but I have to see it.”
He repeated claims that many participants were peaceful, were “ushered” into the building by law enforcement or FBI agents, and that “dirty cops” were involved.
Welker noted that 170 people had pleaded guilty to assaulting officers and said there was no evidence of widespread FBI orchestration.
Trump continued: “Try looking at the tapes one time!” He described the press as “crooked” and accused Welker of playing into their hands. Welker responded that there was “no evidence” for several of his assertions.
The discussion shifted to elections. Trump claimed the 2020 election was rigged and that similar issues were occurring in California’s recent primary, where vote counting continued days after Election Day.
Welker asked for evidence. Trump said delayed counts indicated problems and called California officials “crooked.” He told Welker she was “either crooked or you’re stupid.”
The Abrupt End of NBC Interview
The interview concluded with this exchange, according to transcripts and video:
Trump: “You’re a one-sided crooked network. Sorry. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling.”
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Welker: “Mr. President, let’s please, I traveled all the way to Wisconsin.”
Trump referenced sitting in the rain with her for an hour and urged the press to “straighten out.” Welker attempted to continue the discussion on Acting Attorney General Blanche. Trump ended the session.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. NBC News confirmed the interview occurred as broadcast.
Trump has long criticized major news outlets as biased and has frequently clashed with interviewers over fact-checking. Supporters viewed the walkout as a stand against adversarial questioning.
The “anti-weaponization” fund faced bipartisan criticism over potential lack of oversight and possible payouts to January 6 defendants. A federal judge temporarily paused it, and the Justice Department halted implementation. No payments have been made.
More than 1,400 people have been charged in connection with January 6, with hundreds pleading guilty to assault-related offenses. Extensive court records, videos and investigations have documented violence against officers, though disputes remain over the events’ causes and law enforcement actions that day.
Trump has maintained since 2020 that elections were compromised, a position rejected by courts in dozens of cases and by election officials from both parties. California’s delayed results stem from standard processing of mail-in and provisional ballots.
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