Trump Clashes with Australian Journalist Over Trump Business Dealings
Donald Trump lashed out at ABC journalist John Lyons during a tense press conference on Tuesday, accusing him of "hurting Australia" after being questioned about his business interests while in office. When Lyons asked if it was appropriate for a sitting president to be involved in personal business, Trump replied, “My kids are running the business,” then added, “You know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. I’m going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone.” Lyons was told to be “quiet” and dismissed, as Trump pivoted to other reporters.
The exchange comes ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s expected meeting with Trump during the UN General Assembly in New York—his first in-person sit-down with the U.S. president. Albanese confirmed they’ll “see each other in New York” and at “various forums” later in the year, amid rising tensions over tariffs and the AUKUS submarine deal, which is currently under U.S. review.
Back in Australia, politicians from across the spectrum defended Lyons. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was “just doing his job,” while Senator David Pocock mocked Trump’s reaction, saying foreign leaders shouldn’t be “reporting journos” to the PM. Lyons later called the accusation “absurd,” saying his questions were “perfectly normal” and based on careful research.
