Trump walks – President Donald Trump abruptly ended a “Meet the Press” interview on June 7 after moderator Kristen Welker pressed him on unsubstantiated claims of cheating in California’s June 2 primary. In the rain-heavy segment tied to his pre-midterms swing-state trip, T
President Donald Trump didn’t just disagree with Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press” — he cut the conversation short.
The president abruptly ended the interview on June 7 after the moderator challenged him about comments he made concerning election security in California’s primary contests held June 2. The clash unfolded during a rain-heavy sit-down. full of weather-related interruptions. as Trump traveled ahead of the midterms to Wisconsin. a swing state he won in 2024.
Welker pointed out that Republicans were doing well in California following the June 2 primary contests. Trump’s reply turned sharply: he said they “’re dropping fast because it’s a rigged election,” setting off a tense back-and-forth about what he framed as cheating.
Welker noted that the counting process has been dayslong and ongoing in California’s primary races, a point Republicans have criticized. Trump kept pushing his claim of a rigged outcome, while Welker returned repeatedly to the mechanics of how California tabulates ballots.
In one exchange during the segment, Welker said, “that’s how they count the votes in California.” Trump answered with a question that escalated the tone: “Do you know why they’re doing that? Because they’re cheating on the election.”
When Welker pressed him on whether he had evidence to support the claim. Trump offered no proof and pointed to perception instead. He said. “all I have to do is look” and added. “I listen to people.” He did not provide specific documentation during the interview. even as Welker returned to her earlier insistence on the vote-tallying timeline.
Welker again underlined that the prolonged process is “how they count the votes in California.” Trump questioned whether it is appropriate to count votes five days after Election Day. and Welker responded that California officials are urging a quick vote count while also pointing out that the process is slow.
The conflict broadened beyond the counting argument. Trump accused Welker directly, telling her, “they’re crooked just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked and ‘Meet the Press’ is crooked.” Welker denied the accusations, and Trump said her questions helped “their hands.”
The interview ended as Trump appeared to move to cut off the cameras. After Welker urged him to continue, Trump called her “either stupid or crooked.” He also criticized other news outlets, including ABC, CBS and CNN.
Trump then appeared to remove his microphone to throw it.
“Sorry. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough,” Trump said. “Thank you, darling. Have a good time.”
The final moments of the interview came as Welker tried to press onward. When she told Trump she traveled to Wisconsin for the interview — noting that “MTP” is typically filmed on set in Washington — Trump responded that “I sat in the rain with you for an hour.”
As Welker attempted to continue the conversation, Trump said he sat “on and off in the rain, and I’ve given you enough time. You ought to straighten out your press.”
After the segment ended, Welker spoke from the show’s Washington studio and said she spoke with Trump on June 6. She added that both she and Trump noted the weather complications ahead of the interview. Welker also revealed that Trump agreed to speak with her for another interview.
California’s primary contests provided the backdrop for the dispute. Republicans have criticized the dayslong, ongoing counting process. In the races highlighted during the interview. Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt — a conservative and Trump-endorsed — and Trump-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton are both in second place standings in their respective contests. even as Democratic foes have gained ground.
California uses what’s known as a “jungle primary,” where all candidates run regardless of party and the top two advance to the general election.
In the rain, with the counting question still in the air, the president’s insistence on rigging claims met the moderator’s repeated demand for evidence — and the interview simply ended.
Donald Trump Meet the Press Kristen Welker California primary election security vote counting June 2 primary June 7 interview Wisconsin midterms Spencer Pratt Steve Hilton jungle primary