Donald Trump has admonished the ABC’s Global Affairs Editor John Lyons saying he is “hurting Australia” with his line of questions.
Donald Trump has admonished the ABC’s Global Affairs Editor John Lyons during a bizarre exchange on the White House lawn.
Washington-based Lyons 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. My kids are running the business. You know what the activity — where are you from?” Trump replied.
“I’m from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Four Corners program,” said Lyons.
“Oh, the Australian — you’re hurting Australia,” trump told him.
“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.”
When Lyons attempted to ask a follow-up question, Mr Trump told him: “Quiet.”
Lyons’s questions were part of an investigation by Four Corners program into Trump’s business activities since his return to the presidency.
ABC News director Justin Stevens said Lyons had the broadcaster’s full support.
“John Lyons is a highly awarded journalist and one of the most experienced and respected reporters in Australia,” Mr Stevens said.
“His job is to ask questions.”
.@POTUS smacks down a rude foreign Fake News loser (many such cases): “Quiet.” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Q5zdQKgN5Z
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 16, 2025