Trump storms – President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview on Meet the Press on Sunday, January 7, after moderator Kristen Welker questioned him about the “weaponization” fund tied to reparations for people jailed over the January 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection. Trump, 7
President Donald Trump ended his Meet the Press interview the way he often ends disagreements—with a quick exit, a pointed line, and a refusal to keep talking.
On Sunday. January 7. Trump. 79. told moderator Kristen Welker. “Let’s call it quits. because I’ve had enough. ” after she questioned him about the so-called “weaponization” fund meant to pay reparations to those jailed for their participation in the January 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. As he walked out, he reportedly “crushed his lapel mic underfoot on his way out,” according to CNBC.
The clash didn’t stay limited to the reparations question. Trump also bristled at questions about his repeatedly debunked claims that the 2020 election—which he lost to former President Joe Biden—was “rigged.” He seemed to carry that theme into the next breath. taking aim at politics far beyond Washington.
“Thank you darling, have a good time,” Trump told Welker as he left.
Before storming out, Trump claimed the current race for Los Angeles mayor is being “rigged.” Voters are waiting to see if Democrat Nithya Raman or Republican reality TV star-turned-politician Spencer Pratt will take on incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in November.
“The election was rigged. it was a dirty election and it’s happening again right now in California. ” Trump claimed. while offering no evidence to support the allegation that the 2020 election—or any election after it—has been “rigged.” He said. “They’re cheating on the election. ” and insisted that “all I have to do is look” and to “listen to people” to confirm his view. adding. “let’s see what happens.”.
Trump then escalated from the voting process to the people asking questions. “Do you think it’s appropriate that they have an election and five days later, they’re nowhere close to picking a winner? They’re crooked, just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked and Meet the Press is crooked.”
That isn’t the first time Trump has attacked the press during live moments. During an Oval Office press conference on Wednesday. June 3. Trump criticized CNN’s chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins. calling the news organization a “very corrupt organization” before turning his attention to Collins herself.
“She’s a young beautiful woman. Never smiles. I never see a smile off her face,” Trump told her colleagues and those in attendance. He said he saw “her standing there with hatred in her eyes. ” and tied it to themes he has repeatedly used to justify his own political narrative. including that they have “borders. ” a “strong military. ” and that he “cut[] our taxes.”.
Trump continued, “And you should be ashamed of yourself. You used to be a conservative. She was a conservative from Alabama, can you believe it?”
On Meet the Press, Trump kept fighting the premises laid out by the interview questions. When Welker challenged him about the “weaponization” fund, he defended it with a blunt promise about paying.
“If it was up to me. I’d pay them the kind of money that they deserve. ” Trump said of the pardoned insurrectionists. including people who were found guilty of physically assaulting police officers in an attempt to overthrow the government. “People have been destroyed. Lives have been destroyed. Many suicides, think of it.”.
Trump, like his claims about rigged elections, did not provide evidence for his insistence that the insurrection was “peaceful” and that those found guilty had their lives “ruined.”
As of December 2025, at least 40 pardoned insurrectionists have faced other, non-related criminal charges, including child abuse and possession of child pornography.
Even with the interview over, the through-line remained clear: on questions about January 6 and election integrity, Trump didn’t just argue back—he accused, dismissed, and walked away.
Donald Trump Meet the Press Kristen Welker weaponization fund January 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection reparations rigged election 2020 election Joe Biden Los Angeles mayoral race Nithya Raman Spencer Pratt Karen Bass Kaitlan Collins CNN
He walked out again, so that means he’s guilty lol
Wait reparations for Jan 6 people?? That’s wild. But also the “rigged” stuff… I’m confused because both parties say it.
The lapel mic thing is kinda savage ngl. Also I don’t get the weaponization fund part—like who even weaponizes money? But if they’re paying reparations for that, no wonder people are mad.
Trump says LA mayor race is rigged now? Sounds like he’s just copying his election excuse and throwing it everywhere. And “all I have to do is look and listen” is not evidence, that’s just vibes. Yet somehow he’ll still say it’s true and people will eat it up.