Trump Walks Out of Interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker

President Donald Trump left an NBC interview abruptly after host Kristen Welker challenged several of his statements, marking one of many confrontations with female reporters. Trump’s contentious relationship with journalists, both male and female, has been a recurrent theme throughout his political tenure. During his second term, his interactions with female journalists have frequently been scrutinized in high-profile incidents with reporters from various outlets.

In late 2025, Trump made disparaging remarks to several reporters, calling one ‘stupid’ and another ‘piggy,’ and labeling a third as ‘terrible.’ These instances have fueled discussions on his treatment of women in journalism, coinciding with escalating attacks on female journalists online and offline. A 2021 UNESCO report highlighted that nearly 75% of female journalists faced online violence, and 20% reported offline abuse linked to such violence. Newsweek sought comment from the White House outside normal hours.

Trump Exits Interview with Kristen Welker

During the ‘Meet The Press’ interview, Welker questioned Trump about the Iran conflict and discussed the ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, a shelved plan to create a $1.8 billion fund for those who felt unfairly investigated. The plan faced criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, fearing it might compensate those prosecuted over the January 6 Capitol riot. They also debated the events of January 6, with Trump repeating unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. He asserted there was cheating in California’s primary elections, though votes were still being counted.

Welker demanded evidence, prompting Trump to say, ‘All I have to do is look, and I listen.’ Further pressed, he accused her of being either ‘crooked’ or ‘stupid.’ He claimed, ‘These elections are rigged. Your network knows that. I won the election by a landslide and received 94% negative press due to lack of credibility.’ Welker responded, highlighting the absence of evidence supporting his claims. Trump insisted, ‘More evidence is available than ever before.’ He criticized U.S. elections as resembling those in ‘third-world countries’ and accused networks, including Meet The Press, ABC, CBS, and CNN, of being corrupt.

Interrupting the interview, Trump remarked, ‘Sorry, let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough.’ He thanked Welker, called her ‘darling,’ and tapped her shoulder as he departed.

Pattern of Clashes

Trump frequently clashed with female journalists at press briefings, during Oval Office encounters, and on social media. Although his conflicts with journalists aren’t gender-specific, some observers note his confrontations with female reporters often involve personal criticism, following inquiries about politically sensitive topics. The encounter with Welker followed a recent clash with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, who he has historically opposed.

On June 3, Trump accused Collins of having ‘hatred in her eyes’ during a conversation about the ‘anti-weaponization fund’ in the Oval Office. He routinely criticized CNN as ‘crooked as hell’ and ‘very corrupt.’ Directly addressing Collins, he said, ‘She’s a young, beautiful woman who never smiles. I’ve never seen happiness on her face.’ In February, he called her ‘the worst reporter’ and remarked on her lack of smiles.

In March, a video captured Trump calling a female reporter on Air Force One ‘very obnoxious’ after shushing her. The incident, involving questions about Iran’s war, was widely publicized. Asked about this, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told Newsweek, ‘Americans appreciate President Trump’s straightforwardness, and obnoxiousness transcends gender.’

On November 14, Trump interrupted Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey with ‘Quiet, quiet piggy’ during a follow-up question. Also, during an Oval Office exchange, he labeled ABC’s Mary Bruce ‘a terrible person and a terrible reporter’ after questions about Saudi Arabia. He criticized New York Times reporter Katie Rogers as ‘a third-rate reporter’ and called her ‘ugly both inside and out’ via Truth Social.

Dr. Amy Tatum, from Bournemouth Media School in England, shared insights with Newsweek, stating, ‘Trump feels emboldened to speak bluntly about women due to limited backlash. Public criticism of women is increasingly unchallenged.’ The International Women’s Media Foundation warned in late 2025 that Trump’s remarks suggest a ‘pattern of targeting and harassing women journalists.’ They caution that public attacks might trigger online abuse and intensify pressure on reporters.

White House Responses

The White House continuously defends Trump regarding these incidents. In a November statement to Newsweek, spokesperson Taylor Rodgers stated, ‘President Trump answers unrestricted questions daily from legacy media with dwindling public trust. He provides candid responses for Americans and holds the press accountable for fake news.’ Rodgers concluded, ‘This administration remains the most accessible and transparent in history.’