US President Donald Trump berated a journalist who asked about the US president’s business dealings in the White House and accused him of “hurting Australia” in the lead up to talks with the Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The US president was asked by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC News) journalist John Lyons how much wealthier he had become since he returned to the White House in January after winning the 2024 presidential election. Trump was answering questions to reporters on the White House lawn. Responding to the Australian journalist, Trump said, “I don't know,” as he stated that his children handled the family business. “But most of the deals that I’ve made were made before. This is what I’ve done for a life. I’ve built buildings,” he said, pointing to the site of a grand ballroom to be constructed for the White House. 'You're hurting Australia': Donald Trump criticises ABC journalist John Lyons in White House clash pic.twitter.com/rlR4glUEVF— Ben Knight (@benknight38) September 16, 2025 Lyon further asked the Republican leader if it was appropriate for him to conduct while in the office, to which Trump said, “I’m really not, my kids are running the business,” before asking Lyon where he was from, The Guardian reported. “In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me,” said Trump, BBC reported. Briefing about his upcoming meeting with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Trump said he'll be meeting the Australian leader “very soon,” adding, "I'm going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone." Albanese will be in the United States next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly session and the Australian leader confirmed to ABC radio on Monday that he and President Trump would "see each other in New York". “He's hosting a reception on Tuesday night of next week. And as well, we'll see each other at various forums that are taking place between now and the end of the year,” Albanese said. (with inputs from BBC, The Guardian)
