The American President was addressing journalists outside theWhite Housewhen he targeted ABC's America editor John Lyons following a question about his business activities.
Trump criticized the journalist during an uncomfortable conversation in which he informed Lyons that he would reveal theAustralian Prime Minister about him.
Lyons questioned Trump on how much richer he had become since being re-elected, and Trump responded that he wasn't sure, adding that his children were managing his business.
But many of the deals I've entered into were done in the past, and that's what I've dedicated my life to – constructing buildings, just like I'm doing here," he said, then proceeded to brag about ordering the construction of a new White House Ballroom that he claimed would "leave you speechless.
Lyons subsequently questioned: "Is it suitable, President Trump, for a sitting president to be involved in so many business endeavors?"
"Actually, I'm not," Trump responded.
My children are managing the business. You know what I mean - where are you from?
Lyons informed the president that he was employed by the ABC.
"Oh, the Australian – you're causing harm to Australia," he said.
In my view, you are causing significant harm to Australia at this moment, and they wish to maintain a good relationship with me.
You understand, your leader is coming to visit me shortly. I will inform him about you. You have created a very poor impression.
As Lyons made a subsequent move, Trump retorted: 'Silence.'
A reporter based in Washington was formerly the editor of theSydneyMorning Herald and a producer for Nine's Sunday program.
He previously served as an associate editor at The Australian prior to his appointment at ABC.
Following the exchange, Lyons took to the air and stated that Trump was waging a 'war on the media'.
"If our role as reporters is to uphold truth against power, then certainly posing valid questions in a polite manner to the President of the United States should be considered appropriate," Lyons stated.
But in today's America, it's not.
We can observe that yesterday, Donald Trump declared he is filing a lawsuit against The New York Times for $15 billion.
Lyons was questioned by his ABC colleagues about whether he anticipated being invited to the White House after the live debate.
He mentioned that he hoped so, and added that his questions were 'fair' and not posed in an 'abusive manner'.
"If we have arrived at a stage where posing such questions stops you from entering the White House, I believe it is a very bleak moment," he further stated.
The administration of Trump kept criticizing Lyons on the internet after the intense discussion.
A verified White House account posted a Fox News video from the press briefing on X.
'[Trump] dismisses a disrespectful international Fake News individual,' the caption stated.
The account of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, also shared the video as support for the Australian reporter.
"Why is Donald Trump targeting reporters? Our allies merit respect, not pressure," he wrote.
Albanese is scheduled to head to New York next week for the United Nations General Assembly.
The two leaders have not met since they each won their respective elections.
The Australian Prime Minister's plan for a private meeting with Trump was cancelled earlier this year when the US President left the G7 summit prematurely.
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