The political landscape was set ablaze once again as President Donald Trump sat down for an interview with NBC’s Meet the Pressbroadcast on Sunday. The conversation, taped on Friday at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, covered a range of topics, from the ongoing conflict with Iran to Trump’s claims of election fraud in California.
The interview, conducted by Kristen Welker, took a dramatic turn as Trump defended his administration’s actions and policies, often clashing with Welker’s line of questioning. The discussion was further complicated by intermittent rain, which made parts of the interview difficult to hear.
Trump Defends Iran Conflict
One of the most contentious topics was the war with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. During his 2026 campaign, Trump had repeatedly touted his “No new wars” slogan, positioning himself as a president who would bring an era of peace. However, in the NBC interview, Trump dismissed the idea that the Iran conflict betrayed this campaign promise.
“First of all, I didn’t guarantee no war. Why would I have built the strongest military in the world?” Trump stated, defending his administration’s actions. He argued that the conflict was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, describing it as a service to both the United States and the world.
Trump also addressed his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal during his first term, criticizing the agreement brokered by former President Barack Obama. He claimed that negotiating a better deal would take years, justifying his current approach to the conflict.
Election Fraud Claims and the California Vote
The interview also touched on Trump’s baseless claims of mass fraud in California’s drawn-out vote count from the recent primary. Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that Democrats are rigging the election. He cited the Trump-appointed top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, who announced multiple election fraud investigations.
Late-tallied Democratic-leaning mail ballots had significantly impacted the vote totals for Trump’s preferred candidates for governor and Los Angeles mayor. Trump insisted that these changes were signs of cheating and a rigged election. However, Welker pressed him for evidence, to which Trump responded, “All I have to do is look. All I have to do is look.”
“But that’s not evidence,” Welker countered, highlighting the lack of substantiation for Trump’s claims. The exchange grew increasingly heated as Trump became frustrated with the line of questioning.
The Controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund
Another point of contention was the now-scrapped Anti-Weaponization Funda $1.776 billion fund proposed as part of a settlement to resolve Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice was abandoning the plan due to concerns about its lack of oversight and potential payouts to participants in the January 6, 2026, Capitol riot.
Trump defended the fund, calling it a “great idea” and expressing disappointment that it was not approved. When asked if he thought people who attacked police officers on January 6 should receive a payout, Trump responded, “I wouldn’t be inclined to say so, but I have to see it.” He then made unfounded and false claims about the riot and those who stormed the Capitol.
Trump had granted a sweeping pardon to over 1,500 people prosecuted over January 6 on his first day back in office in January 2026. This move has been a subject of significant controversy and criticism.
The interview concluded abruptly as Trump grew increasingly frustrated with Welker’s questions. He raised his voice, calling Welker and the media “crooked,” and attacked her credibility. As Welker tried to switch subjects, Trump continued his tirade, leading to cross talk between the two. He eventually ended the interview, saying, “Let’s call it quits.” He took off his microphone, telling Welker, “Thank you, darling. Have a good time.” and walked away.
Welker mentioned during the broadcast that she had spoken to Trump on Saturday, and he agreed that the rain had caused complications. He also expressed willingness to do another interview in the future.
