Australian Broadcaster Barred from Trump's UK Media Event Following Reporter Clash
Australia's ABC has been denied access from covering Donald Trump's media briefing outside the UK capital this coming days after a heated exchange between the network's Americas editor, John Lyons, and Trump over business dealings.
Accreditation Withdrawn for Capacity Issues
An insider revealed that ABC's London bureau was informed that press access had been withdrawn because of capacity constraints, with only 15 places allocated for foreign news organizations.
Trump had been scheduled to dine with UK PM the Labour leader at Chequers before the shared press conference.
An network representative later stated that the spot at the event was removed for âlogistical reasonsâ.
âThe network has received no indication this is related to the questions put to the president recently.â
Confrontation Focused on Financial Activities
Lyons, who is reporting for Four Corners, drew a strong reaction from Trump when he asked to what extent wealthier he became since reentering the White House in his second term.
Trump claimed Lyons of âhurting Australiaâ with his inquiries.
âIn my opinion, you are harming your country very much. Your leaders want to get along with me,â Trump said. âYou know, your leader is coming to meet me shortly. I plan to tell him about you.â
Trump later told Lyons: âQuiet.â
Backing from Australia's Politicians and Media
The correspondent has argued that he was not ask aggressively critical questionsâ when he queried whether it was suitable for a sitting president to engage in commercial ventures while serving.
Australiaâs politicians threw their support behind Lyons after Trump said he would inform Anthony Albanese about the exchange.
A parliament member the politician said that the president was trying to bully the media and Australia, urging that the PM stand up to criticism of Australian journalists.
The ABC news director, Justin Stevens, affirmed that the journalist had the broadcasterâs complete backing.
âHe is a highly awarded reporter and among the most seasoned and respected reporters in Australia. His job is to ask questions.â