Senior ABC journalist John Lyons had asked Trump how much wealthier he had become since returning to the White House in January.
'I don't know,' Trump replied, insisting that his children were in charge of the family businesses. He then accused the reporter of undermining relations between the two nations: 'In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me.'
Trump added that he would raise the matter with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying, 'I'm going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone.'
When Lyons attempted to continue his questioning, Trump pressed his index finger to his lips and said 'quiet' before turning to another journalist.
The exchange comes as Albanese continues to seek face-to-face talks with Trump. A planned meeting in June was cancelled at the last minute after Trump left the G20 summit early to address developments in the Middle East.
Albanese confirmed in an interview with ABC Radio that he would meet Trump next week while in the US for the UN General Assembly.
'He's hosting a reception on Tuesday night of next week. And as well, we'll see each other at various forums that are taking place between now and the end of the year,' the prime minister said.
Rania Umutoni
