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Donald Trump lashed out at an ABC journalist who was asking Trump’s private commercial affairs, accusing him of “hurting Australia” prior to important negotiations with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Exchange on the South Lawn

Responding to media inquiries outside the executive mansion when he engaged the ABC’s Americas editor, John Lyons, identifying as working for Four Corners.

Their interaction additionally featured Trump’s first admission that he intended to sit down with the Australian PM for their first face-to-face talks, taking place alongside a trip to the UNGA in the coming days.

Discussion of Financial Matters

Lyons questioned Trump how much wealthier he had been since coming back to the White House for his second term at the start of the year, noting he was considered the wealthiest man ever to hold office in the White House.

“It’s unclear,” Trump responded, noting his offspring were in charge of the Trump Organisation.

“But most of the agreements I’ve signed were made prior,” he continued. “This is what I’ve done for a life. I’ve built buildings.”

He pointed to the area designated for a grand ballroom planned for the White House.

Ethics of Commercial Activities

Lyons then asked whether it was appropriate for a commander-in-chief to be managing commercial interests while serving.

“That’s not the case, my children are running the business,” Trump answered before questioning where he was from.

Trump then accused Lyons of “damaging Australia” with his inquiries.

“From my perspective you are hurting Australia currently. Australia wishes to get along with me.

“As you’re aware PM Albanese is traveling to see me very soon. I intend to tell him about you. You’re creating a very bad tone.

“You can set a friendlier manner,” Trump said, before telling Lyons: “Be silent.”

PM’s Pursuit for a Meeting

Albanese has been attempting to arrange talks with Trump since their initial planned meeting were abruptly cancelled at the international conference in Canada this past summer.

The prime minister’s itinerary for the upcoming visit to New York is yet to be finalized, but Australian officials are working to secure a time.

Recently Albanese said he would see Trump at the global leaders’ gathering in New York, as well at other multilateral events.

“I’ll encounter each other in New York,” the prime minister said.

“The US president will conduct a reception on Tuesday night. Also, we’ll see at various forums occurring through the end of the year. There are numerous high-level meetings.”

Important Matters for Negotiation

The meeting is expected to cover a number of urgent issues in the two-way partnership, including the military evaluation of the Aukus nuclear submarines agreement and the US leader’s insistence that Australia increase expenditure on military.

Trump and senior US officials have privately urged Australia to agree to allocate as much as 3.5% of GDP on defence, a projected $30 billion extra per year to the current defence spend of around $59 billion.

The assessment – which is being led by the senior Pentagon official and Aukus sceptic Elbridge Colby – is due to be completed around November. Canberra has previously transferred about $1.6bn to the US as under the pact’s terms.