President Donald Trump cut short a combative interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker after clashing over Iran, energy prices, and California primary election fraud allegations.
Trump traveled to Wisconsin on Friday to discuss his farming agenda and economic policy. The interview, held at a farm amid stormy weather, quickly turned contentious as Welker pressed him on rising fuel costs tied to the stalled Iran conflict.
“Gas is up, diesel is up,” Welker said, referencing the spike in energy prices since Operation Epic Fury began.
Trump fired back: “It’s all coming down as soon as the war’s over.”
“70% of farmers say they can’t afford fertilizer. What is your message to farmers, many who support you, but who say they’re struggling?”
Trump replied by touting his earlier support for farmers. “You know, I gave farmers $28 billion because China took advantage,” he said. “I love the farmers, the farmers trust me.”
Energy prices have surged since U.S. military operations against Iran began in late February. Gas prices jumped from $2.98 per gallon on Feb. 26 to $4.174 at the time of writing — though prices have dropped nearly 25 cents from the May 24 peak of $4.515 per gallon, according to AAA.
Diesel fuel, critical for farmers and truckers, averaged $3.66 a gallon on Feb. 15 and now sits at $5.341 per gallon — down 28 cents from the May 24 average of $5.622.
The conflict has also disrupted global fertilizer supplies. Roughly half of the world’s production of urea and sulfur — two key agricultural fertilizer precursors — passes through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Fertilizer Institute. Saudi Arabia, a leading supplier of phosphates to the U.S., is also affected by the regional instability.
The interview grew more heated when Welker challenged Trump over fraud allegations in California’s Tuesday primary elections. Socialist Democratic Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman benefited from late ballot counting that increased the likelihood Republican Spencer Pratt could be shut out of the November general election.
“The election was rigged. It was a dirty election and it’s happening again right now in California.”
“Let me tell you, it’s four days and they aren’t even close to coming up with, you know, why they’re doing that?” Trump continued as Welker attempted to push back. “Because they’re cheating on the election.”
After Welker claimed Trump presented no evidence of fraud, the president called NBC, ABC, CNN, and CBS “crooked networks.”
Trump then ended the interview.
“Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough,” he said. “Thank you, darling. Have a good time.”
