Trump’s attack on ABC journalist the act of a bully and hypocrite: expert

Trump was politely asked a question by the ABC’s America’s Editor John Lyons during his White House press conference overnight, before the President jetted off on his state visit to the UK.

“Is it appropriate, President Trump, that a President in office should be engaged in so much business activity?” Lyons asked.

Trump began to answer the question, saying “Well, I’m really not. My kids are running the business,” before abruptly stopping to launch a personal attack on Lyons.

“Where are you from?” he demanded.

When Lyons explained he was from the ABC’s Four Corners program, Trump let fly.

“You’re hurting Australia,” he told Lyons.

“ You know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. I’m going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone.”

“In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me.”

When Lyons attempted a follow-up question, Trump demanded he be “quiet”.

The exchange prompted widespread criticism of Trump, who regularly claims to support the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects freedom of speech.

California Governor Gavin Newsom was among the first to leap to Lyons’ defence.

“Why is Donald Trump threatening journalists? Our allies deserve respect, not intimidation,” he said.

Special Advisor to The Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs Program, Allan Behm, described Trump’s reaction to Lyons as “so predictable”.

“His exchange with the ABC’s John Lyons, one of Australia’s most experienced and best journalists, was typical Trump: bluster, bully, abuse, then back off. He’s a coward.”

Mr Behm said the incident exposed Trump’s “glass jaw”, adding “his skin is as thin as his grip on probity”.

“Most of the leaders of the so-called democracies, Australia’s included, tiptoe around him, treating him with deference and seeking his approval. The only way to deal with bullying is to stand up to it. The cringe will simply invite a kicking from Trump.”

“Trump’s support for free speech and the First Amendment is as phony as his mastery of the “art of the deal” and his grasp of trade economics.”

“Trump and his cronies weaponise disagreement and dissent to close down free speech and crush his opponents. Trump behaves as though negotiation is about sucking up and giving in – to him.”

One thing the exchange between Trump and Lyons did expose was the near-certainty that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with the US President when he attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.

Allan Behm says he’s hopeful Albanese won’t fall into the same trap as many world leaders who’ve visited the Oval Office since Trump’s re-election, employing a strategy of flattery, bordering on blatant sucking up.

When UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer was in the Oval Office, he theatrically pulled a letter from King Charles from his pocket, handing it to Trump. The letter invited Trump to Windsor Castle for a state dinner. That event is scheduled to happen tomorrow.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte went even further, sickeningly referring to Trump as “Daddy” in an especially awkward Oval Office moment.

“In his forthcoming meeting with Trump, Prime Minister Albanese would do well to employ dignity, discretion and discipline, as (Ukraine) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy did in his infamous meeting in the Oval Office,” said Mr Behm.

“The measure of success with Trump is neither concession nor warmth. The embrace of an alligator is never warm. Rather, it is the respectful and steadfast representation of the national interest, which is what John Lyons was doing.”