Australian politicians back ABC journalist after Trump criticises him over business questions

Australian politicians have rallied behind ABC journalist John Lyons after he was criticised by US President Donald Trump for asking about his personal business dealings.

The incident occurred in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday when Trump was responding to questions on the White House lawn.

Lyons, who is the ABC’s Americas editor and reporting for Four Corners, asked Trump how much wealthier he had become since returning to the Oval Office for his second term. He noted that Trump was considered the wealthiest man to ever occupy the White House.

Trump replied that he didn’t know, explaining that his children were managing the family business, the Trump Organization. He added that most of the deals he made were completed earlier and that building properties has been his lifelong work. He also pointed to the location where a grand ballroom is planned for the White House.

When Lyons asked whether it was appropriate for a sitting US president to conduct personal business while in office, Trump asked Lyons where he was from. He went on to accuse Lyons of “hurting Australia,” stating that, in his opinion, Lyons was harming the country and that Australians wanted to get along with him.

Trump added that Australia’s leader would soon visit him and that he would inform the leader about Lyons, saying he was setting a very bad tone and suggesting he could set a better one before telling Lyons to be quiet.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended Lyons, stating that he was “just doing his job.” He added that he respects the ABC and its independence, emphasising that this includes refraining from second-guessing the questions legitimately asked by journalists.

Lyons told ABC that his questions were “perfectly normal,” fair, well-researched, and not abusive. He warned that if asking such questions leads to being barred from entering the White House, it would mark a very dark day. He added that he still needs to brace himself for what might happen when Trump reports on him.

Independent senator David Pocock called for stronger protections for press freedom and mocked Trump’s behaviour. “That doesn’t include the leader of another country thinking he can report journos to our PM for asking hard questions,” he posted on X.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young accused Trump of trying to bully both the media and Australia, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to stand up for journalists.

Liberal senator Sarah Henderson suggested that ABC explain Lyons’ line of questioning, given the importance of trade, defence, and national security in the Australia-US relationship.

Nationals frontbencher Bridget McKenzie defended Lyons, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with journalists asking tough questions.”

This confrontation comes as Albanese seeks to meet Trump during next week’s UN General Assembly in New York. The Australian prime minister’s first scheduled meeting with Trump at the G20 summit in Canada was abruptly cancelled in June.

Albanese confirmed that he would meet Trump during the UN event, stating that they would see each other in New York, where Trump is hosting a reception next Tuesday night. He added that they would also meet at various forums taking place between now and the end of the year, calling it summit season.

The talks are expected to cover key issues in the bilateral relationship, including the Pentagon’s review of the Aukus nuclear submarine agreement and Trump’s push for Australia to increase defence spending. Trump and senior US officials have urged Australia to commit up to 3.5% of its GDP on defence — a potential $30 billion annual increase over the current $59 billion.

The Aukus review, led by Defence Undersecretary and sceptic Elbridge Colby, is expected to be completed around November. Australia has already sent approximately $1.6 billion to the US as part of the agreement.