🔗 Share this article Australia's Media Outlet Barred from President Trump's British Press Conference Following Reporter Confrontation Australia's public broadcaster was barred from covering Donald Trump's media briefing outside London this week after a tense exchange between its Americas editor, John Lyons, and the president regarding business dealings. Access Revoked for Logistical Issues An insider indicated that ABC's UK office received notice that its accreditation was revoked because of space limitations, with only 15 spots available for international news organizations. Trump was due to have lunch with the British prime minister the Labour leader at Chequers ahead of the joint media appearance. A ABC spokesperson later confirmed that the place at the event had been removed for “logistical reasons”. “We have received no suggestion that this was related to the inquiries put to the president earlier this week.” Confrontation Focused on Business Activities The reporter, who is working with Four Corners, drew a strong reaction from the president when he questioned how much richer Trump had become after reentering the White House for his second term. The president accused Lyons of “hurting Australia” with his inquiries. “I believe, you are harming your country significantly. And they want to get along with me,” he stated. “You know, the PM will visit over to see me very soon. I’m going to inform him regarding you.” Trump later instructed Lyons: “Be silent.” Backing from Australian Leaders and Broadcaster The correspondent has argued that he did not ask “particularly hostile questions” when he questioned whether it was suitable for a sitting president to engage in business activity while in office. The nation's politicians threw their support behind the journalist after the president indicated he would inform Anthony Albanese about the exchange. The Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said that the president was attempting to bully the press and the country, demanding that the PM defend against attacks of Australian journalists. The ABC news director, the director, said that Lyons had the network's complete backing. “He is a highly awarded reporter and one of the most seasoned and respected correspondents in the country. His job is to ask questions.”