US President Donald Trump clashed with an Australian journalist on Tuesday after being asked about his business dealings since returning to office.
Speaking on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One, Trump was questioned by John Lyons of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) about how much wealthier he had become since resuming the presidency in January.
“I don’t know,” Trump replied, insisting that his children managed the family businesses. “In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me.”
‘You are hurting Australia very much right now’ — Trump to an Australian journalist who asked if a president should be engaged in so much business activity
‘Your leader is coming over to see me very soon’
‘I’m going to tell them about you. You said a very bad tone… Quiet’ https://t.co/sQD9LEb2YW pic.twitter.com/cPBOG9PUvZ
— RT (@RT_com) September 16, 2025
He then warned that he would soon meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and added, “I’m going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone.”
When Lyons attempted a follow-up, Trump raised his finger to his lips, told him “quiet,” and shifted his attention to another reporter.
Trump Clashes With US Journalists Too
The exchange wasn’t limited to Australian media. Trump also clashed with ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, who pressed him about the administration’s stance on ‘hate speech’ following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Karl asked: “And what do you make of Pam Bondi saying she’s going to go after hate speech? A lot of people, a lot of your allies say hate speech is free speech.”
Trump shot back: “She’d probably go after people like you! Because you treat me so unfairly! It’s hate! You have a lot of hate in your heart!”
Context: Charlie Kirk’s Murder
The tense press interaction came just days after Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and Trump ally, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Kirk, who rose from a teenage conservative organizer to a top podcaster, was killed in what prosecutors described as an assassination. Following a 30-hour manhunt, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested more than 250 miles away after a family friend tipped off police.
Robinson is being held in Utah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder and multiple felonies.
