Donald Trump threatens journalist over question about his presidential income

President Donald Trump has ruffled feathers after he threatened an Australian reporter for questioning the money he makes while he is President.

He has been known to have a tense relationship with many members of the press, frequently challenging the 'MSM' (mainstream media) in his social media posts and his well known catchphrase of 'fake news'.

Trump has now had a run-in with a member of the press at the White House, and he threatened to tell Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the exchange.

The fraught back-and-forth with the media was all caught on camera, as ABC's John Lyons was one of the journalists gathered to ask questions to the president.

He asked Trump about his work and revenue, questioning: "Is it appropriate, President Trump, that a president in office should be engaged in so much business activity?"

Trump replied: "Well, I'm really not, my kids are running the business here...where are you from?"

Lyons answered, "I'm from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation," to which Trump shot back: "You're hurting Australia right now...in my opinion you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me, you know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. I'm going to tell them about you, you set a very bad tone. You could've said it in a nicer tone....quiet!" as the reporter tried to continue.

The POTUS did not elaborate exactly how the reporter's question was harming Australia.

Another Australian reporter, Jonathan Karl, then asked Trump what he made of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's comments earlier this week.

She had said that the Department of Justice would being going after 'anyone with hate speech' following the assassination of political speaker Charlie Kirk.

“She should go after people like you, because you treat me so unfairly. It’s hate,” Trump replied.

“You have a lot of hate in your heart. Maybe they’ll come after ABC," he hit back.

The Australian representative, Mr Albanese is due to travel to New York for the UN General Assembly next week.

Trump's comments suggest a meeting is planned.

A video of the tense exchange was shared on social media, and people have been left unimpressed by Trump's handling of the situation.

President Trump warns an Australian reporter that he’s hurting Australia because he asked him about his business activity: You are hurting Australia very much right now. They want to get along with me. Your leader is coming to see me soon, I'm going to tell him about you. pic.twitter.com/jIUvfsziPv

— Acyn (@Acyn) September 16, 2025

One commenter replied: "Beyond belief to see a President threaten a journalist like this, and the other journalists say and do nothing."

"Pitiful" added another.

"The other journalists should stop until Trump answers the question. Zero solidarity. Very stupid" criticised another commenter.

"All credit to the Australian journalist for not backing down & pressing hard for an answer to his question. Shame the rest of the journalists didn't back him up by repeating his question," said one person.

"I can imagine no president before the temporary occupier of the White House speaking thus in public and on camera to any person’s face. Though I have disagreed with previous presidents, they maintained the dignity of the office," insisted one critic.

Others compared it to childlike behaviour: "I'm gonna tell on youuuu" - Most powerful man in USA, let that sink in."