Australian Media Outlet Excluded from Trump's UK Press Conference After Journalist Confrontation
Australia's public broadcaster has been denied access from attending President Trump's media briefing outside London this coming days after a tense interaction between its US correspondent, John Lyons, and the president over business dealings.
Accreditation Withdrawn for Capacity Issues
A source indicated that ABC's UK office received notice that press access was revoked because of capacity constraints, with just 15 spots available for international media outlets.
The president was due to have lunch with the British prime minister the Labour leader at Chequers ahead of the shared press conference.
A network representative subsequently confirmed that the place at the briefing had been removed for “practical considerations”.
“We have received no indication this is related to the questions put to the president earlier this week.”
Confrontation Centered on Financial Deals
The reporter, who is working with an investigative program, drew a strong reaction from the president when he questioned to what extent wealthier Trump had become since returning to the White House for his new term.
The president accused Lyons of “damaging Australia” with his inquiries.
“In my opinion, your reporting is hurting your country very much. And they wish to get along with me,” he said. “As you know, your leader will visit to see me very soon. I’m going to inform him about you.”
Trump later told Lyons: “Be silent.”
Backing from Australia's Politicians and Media
The correspondent has argued that he did not ask aggressively critical questions” when he queried whether it was suitable for a US president to engage in commercial ventures while serving.
Australia’s politicians threw their backing behind the journalist after the president indicated he would inform Anthony Albanese about the exchange.
A parliament member the politician remarked that the president was trying to bully the press and the country, urging that Albanese stand up to attacks of Australian journalists.
The ABC news director, Justin Stevens, affirmed that Lyons had the network's full support.
“He is a highly awarded reporter and one of the most experienced and esteemed correspondents in the country. His role is to ask questions.”
