1 hour ago
1
The president abruptly ended his tense interview and walked off set.
08:02, Mon, Jun 8, 2026 Updated: 08:04, Mon, Jun 8, 2026
The president abruptly ended his tense interview and walked off set (Image: Getty)
Donald Trump has been described as looking "increasingly unwell" and "unhinged" by social media users after he stormed out of an interview amid a tense discussion about election integrity. The US President was being interviewed by NBC News anchor Kristen Welker in Wisconsin, which aired on Sunday (June 7) on 'Meet the Press', in which they discussed several topics, including the Iran war, potential interest rate hikes and a proposed $1.8 billion (£1.4billion) “weaponisation” fund to compensate the January 6 defendants.
“If it was up to me, I’d pay them the kind of money that they deserve,” Mr Trump said. “People have been destroyed. Lives have been destroyed. Many suicides, think of it." The conversation then moved to the president's repeated claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged, with similar issues now unfolding in California's governor race. With 73% of the vote counted as of Sunday, Democrat Xavier Becerra led Republican Steve Hilton by less than 1%, according to Decision Desk HQ. However, the race for second place remained uncalled.
Get the latest news from around the world and more Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“It’s [been] four days and they aren’t even close to coming up with the [results],” Mr Trump said. “Do you know why they’re doing that? Because they’re cheating on the election.”
Trump said the California governor's race is rigged (Image: Getty)
When Ms Welker asked for evidence, the president replied: “All I have to do is look".
He then turned his criticism towards the host and the media: “They’re crooked, just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked. And ‘Meet the Press’ is crooked.
"You’re either crooked or you’re stupid. You play right into their hands with this c***. You know that these elections are rigged. Your network knows that they’re rigged.”
After further exchanges, Mr Trump declared, "Your elections are crooked and you’re crooked and ‘Meet the Press’ is crooked. And so is ABC and CBS and CNN. You’re [a] one-sided crooked network," before ending the interview.
Trump has a meltdown and ends the interview
Welker: Just to be very clear, there's no evidence of what you're saying.
Trump: There’s a lot of evidence. There’s tremendous evidence. There’s nothing but evidence. The election was rigged. And it’s happening again in California.… pic.twitter.com/8xcPKFGE6m
"Sorry. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time."
Mr Trump removed his microphone, dropped it, and stood up to leave. When Ms Welker stated she had travelled to Wisconsin for the interview, he replied that he had given her enough time, adding, "A country can never be great with a dishonest press".
The moment quickly sparked debate on social media, with some users describing Mr Trump as appearing "unwell" or "unhinged".
"Donald Trump is an increasingly unwell, angry, unhinged old man who has trouble even getting up from a seat," one user wrote on X. "He touched Kristen Welker there at the end. Not sure if that was physical intimidation or he literally needed to lean on her so he wouldn't fall."
Another added: "He looks very ill and he can't control his emotions."
Trump is often seen with bruising on his hands or makeup covering it (Image: Getty)
The president's outburst comes after White House physician Dr Sean Barbabella declared that he was in “excellent health” and “fully fit” to serve as commander in chief after undergoing comprehensive testing at Walter Reed, including CT scans, heart imaging and cancer screenings.
Captain Barbabella said his patient demonstrated "strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical function". He also cited the president's "demanding daily schedule," frequent "high-level meetings" and "regular physical activity". He added that he had provided the president with preventive care counselling, including guidance on diet, recommendations to take a low-dose aspirin, increased physical activity and continued weight loss.
He noted "scarring of the right ear consistent with prior gunshot injury," a reference to the 2024 shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The letter also said he has "soft tissue irritation" on his hands due to "frequent handshaking" and aspirin use - a common explanation the White House has given to account for the bruising on the president's hands that is visible in some photos and often covered by makeup.
English (US) · 