The ABC has lost its place at Donald Trump’s upcoming press conference in the UK, following a heated exchange between the former US President and one of the broadcaster’s senior journalists.

Trump landed in London on Tuesday for a historic second state visit to the UK.

He is expected to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday, with a joint press conference planned afterward.

The ABC was initially among several international media outlets approved to attend. However, its accreditation to the press conference was later withdrawn.

“The ABC’s London bureau is still accredited to attend Chequers, however Downing Street Media has said it no longer has a spot at the joint press conference due to logistical reasons,” an ABC spokesperson told NewsWire.

The change comes after ABC Americas Editor John Lyons questioned Trump about his business activities during a media event on the White House lawn earlier this week.

As Trump was preparing to leave for London, Lyons asked, “how much wealthier” he had become since being re-elected.

Trump responded, “I don’t know. My kids are running my business. But most of the deals that I’ve made were made before, and that’s what I’ve done for a life – I built buildings like I’m building a building here.”

He then went on to talk about ordering a new White House ballroom, saying it would “knock your socks off.”

Lyons followed up by asking whether it was “appropriate” for a sitting president to be involved in business activities.

“Well, I’m really not,” Trump said. “My kids are running the business.”

When Trump asked where Lyons was from and learned he was with the ABC, he responded sharply.

“The Australians – you’re hurting Australia right now,” Trump said.

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

As Lyons attempted to ask another question, Trump cut him off, saying: “Quiet.”

Following the incident, a Trump administration spokesperson reportedly referred to Lyons as a “foreign fake news loser.”

Despite the clash, the ABC said it had “been given no indication this is connected to the questions put to President Trump by ABC Americas Editor John Lyons.”

Image: X