"You Set A Bad Tone": Trump Calls Out Australian Journalist, Says Questions Could Affect Australia-US Ties
US President Donald Trump got into an argument with an Australian journalist over questions about his wealth while being in office. He accused John Lyons of jeopardising Australia's interests, adding he would raise matter with PM Anthony Albanese
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Donald Trump confronted an Australian reporter over inquiries about his financial growth since returning to the presidency
US President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with Australian journalist John Lyons when questioned about his wealth accumulation and business activities while serving as president. Trump suggested the journalist's questions could damage Australia-US relations and mentioned he would discuss the matter with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
During a White House press conference, Lyons inquired about the president's business operations during his tenure and his increased wealth since resuming office in January.
The reporter noted that Trump is considered the wealthiest individual to ever hold the presidency.
"I don't know," Trump responded, explaining that his children currently manage the Trump Organisation. "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 further stated.
Reporter: Should a president in office be engaged in so much business activity?Trump: I'm not, my kids are running the business. Where are you from?Reporter: Australian broadcasting corporationTrump: You're hurting Australia very much right now. And they want to get along… pic.twitter.com/KDuyJ3nFCL
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 16, 2025
"In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me," Trump declared.
Mentioning his upcoming diplomatic meeting with the Australian leader, Trump warned he would report this line of questioning. "I'm going to be meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese very soon. I'm going to tell him about you," he continued.
"You set a very bad tone," Trump added. When Lyons attempted to ask another question, Trump gestured for silence by raising his finger to his lips and saying, "Quiet."
The editor later characterized Trump's response as "absurd."
"For me, it was a perfectly normal thing to do to ask questions that I don't think were provocative," he stated, adding that his inquiries were research-based and presented respectfully without abuse, according to the BBC.
In recent months, US-Australia relations have experienced fluctuations, particularly following the Trump administration's announcement to review the AUKUS submarine agreement, a £176 billion strategic pact signed in 2021.
Furthermore, in April, Australia faced a minimum 10 percent tariff on all US exports, which Albanese criticized as "not the act of a friend."