By Courtney Gould
Copyright abc
Donald Trump has criticised the ABC’s Americas editor during an extraordinary exchange at the White House, telling him “you’re hurting Australia” and he would tell Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about it.
Washington-based journalist John Lyons had asked the US president several questions about his business dealings including: “Is it appropriate, President Trump, that a president in office should be engaged in so much business activity?”
“Well, I’m really not,” Trump said. “My kids are running the business. You know what the activity — where are you from?”
When Lyons told Trump he was from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Trump replied: “Oh, the Australian — you’re hurting Australia.
“In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me.
“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.”
Albanese is set to travel to New York for the UN General Assembly next week.
He and Trump have not met since their respective election wins, though Trump’s comments suggest a meeting is planned.
The ABC has sought clarification from the White House and the Prime Minister’s Office.
