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Trump criticized an Australian media representative questioning Trump’s personal business dealings, claiming him of “hurting Australia” ahead of crucial talks with PM Albanese.

Dialogue on the South Lawn

Responding to questions on the White House lawn when he clashed with the ABC’s Americas editor, John Lyons, who said he was representing Four Corners.

Their interaction also appeared to include Trump’s first confirmation that he planned to meet with the Australian PM for an inaugural bilateral meeting, scheduled during a visit to the UN general assembly next week.

Inquiries Into Financial Matters

The journalist inquired Trump how much wealthier he had grown after coming back to the Oval Office for his non-consecutive term earlier this year, mentioning he’s considered the most affluent person ever to hold office in the White House.

“I don’t know,” Trump said, stating his kids were responsible for the family business.

“However, the majority of the agreements I’ve signed were made before,” he said. “This is what I’ve done for a life. I’ve constructed properties.”

He mentioned the location for a proposed prestigious venue intended for the White House.

Propriety of Private Ventures

Lyons then asked whether it was appropriate for a US president to be conducting personal business while serving.

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

Trump then claimed Lyons of “hurting Australia” with those types of questions.

“In my opinion you harm Australia at this moment. They intend to get along with me.

“As you’re aware your leader is flying to see me in the near future. I intend to tell him about you. You’re creating a negative atmosphere.

“You might choose a nicer tone,” Trump remarked, before telling Lyons: “Be silent.”

Australian Outreach for a Meeting

The Australian leader had been seeking a meeting with Trump following the pair’s first talks were suddenly called off at the international conference in Canada in June.

The prime minister’s itinerary for the upcoming visit to New York remains finalized, but diplomats from Australia are trying to lock in a specific date.

Earlier Albanese confirmed he’d see Trump at the global leaders’ gathering in New York, including upcoming international summits.

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

“He is hosting a reception on next Tuesday. Also, we’ll see at several conferences scheduled from now until the end of the year. It’s summit season.”

Critical Topics for Discussion

Their discussion is expected to cover a series of critical topics in the two-way partnership, among them the US defense department assessment of the Aukus nuclear submarines agreement and calls from Trump that Australia spend more on national security.

Trump and high-ranking American representatives have privately urged Australia to commit to spending a figure of a significant portion of its economy on defence, a potential $30bn annual increase to the existing military budget of approximately $59 billion.

The assessment – which is being led by the undersecretary of defence and critic of Aukus Elbridge Colby – is due to be completed sometime in November. The Australian government paid about $1.6bn to the US as part of the agreement.