Trump abruptly ends interview with reporter before storming out after tense question

United States President Donald Trump stormed out of an NBC interview after a clash over election claims.

The 79-year-old Republican, who will turn 80 on Sunday (14 June), abruptly walked out of an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker after a tense exchange over his claims that both California's primary elections and the 2020 presidential election were 'rigged'.

The interview, which aired on Sunday's Meet The Press, covered a range of topics, including the conflict with Iran.

Much of the discussion focused on foreign policy, with Trump defending recent US action against Iran and insisting that any military involvement would not become 'an endless war'.

"We're there for a few months, and the threat is largely over," he said.

US President Donald Trump ended an NBC interview following 'rigged election' claims (Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images)

The atmosphere shifted towards the end of the interview when Welker challenged Trump over his repeated claims that elections were being manipulated.

The president pointed to California's primary elections, where vote counting is still ongoing in several races.

Trump complained that results had not been finalised after four days and alleged: "They're cheating on the election."

Welker immediately pressed him on the claim, asking: "Do you have evidence to support that?"

"All I have to do is look, and I listen," the president replied.

"But that's not evidence," Welker responded.

Kristen Welker challenged Trump over his repeated claims that elections were being manipulated (NBC)

Trump then turned his criticism towards the media, saying 'they're crooked,' before adding, 'just like you're crooked'.

Welker pushed back, telling him: "To be fair, I'm not crooked. But let's continue."

The exchange became increasingly heated, with Trump responding: "You're either crooked or you're stupid."

Minutes later, the president ended the interview altogether.

"Let's call it quits because I've had enough. Thank you, darling, have a good time," he said.

Trump called Welker 'crooked' after she asked him for proof to back up his claims (NBC)

As Welker attempted to continue the discussion, Trump interrupted once more.

"I've sat in the rain with you for an hour, on and off in the rain, and I've given you enough time," he said.

He then launched a final attack on the press, telling Welker: "You ought to straighten out your press, because you know what? A country can never be great with a dishonest press."

Trump then gestured to staff standing behind the cameras and said 'come on, let's go,' before standing up and leaving the set.

The interview was filmed in a barn during an event with farmers in Wisconsin and was repeatedly delayed by technical difficulties and heavy rain hitting the metal roof.

NBC reported that Trump walked out around 50 minutes after the interview began.

Tyla has reached out to the White House for comment.