In brief
During a recent visit to the UK, Donald Trump had a contentious interaction with Australian journalist John Lyons from the ABC, after Lyons questioned him about his financial gains since returning to office. Trump dismissed the inquiry and claimed it was damaging to Australian interests. The exchange highlights tensions between the US and Australia amidst ongoing concerns about trade and diplomatic relations.
Donald Trump has accused an Australian journalist of 'hurting Australia' after he was asked about his business deals while in office.
John Lyons from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) asked Trump how much wealthier he had become since returning to the White House in January during Trump's state visit to the UK.
I don't know, Trump replied, saying his children handled the businesses. He added that he would tell Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about Lyons, adding 'you set a very bad tone'.
On Thursday, ABC said it was informed by the UK prime minister's press office that there was no longer space for it to attend a joint news conference with Trump and Sir Keir Starmer.
In a statement, ABC said it was still accredited to attend the prime minister's country residence, Chequers, where Trump is meeting Sir Keir for talks on Thursday, but that it 'no longer has a spot at the joint press conference' due to 'logistical reasons'.
The statement added there was 'no indication' this was connected to Lyons' questions.
Lyons reported that after the tense exchange, he deemed it an 'absurd notion' that asking legitimate questions could hurt relations between their nations.
The US-Australia relations have indeed become strained, especially following the Trump administration's review into Aukus, a substantial submarine deal between the US, UK, and Australia.
Recent tensions were exacerbated when Australia faced a tariff on exports to the US, with Prime Minister Albanese characterizing the move as 'not the act of a friend'.
As for the interaction in question, Trump further declared he would be discussing Lyons with Albanese soon, amidst ongoing inquiries about the US president's business dealings since taking office.
