Story perspectives

Trump Claims Rigged Election, Accuses Press, Mentions Fund

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the 2020 election was rigged in a June 9, 2024 NBC interview, accused journalist Kristen Welker of corruption, and left the studio after calling the press crooked.
Trump suggested a “weaponization fund” to reward supporters he says were targeted by the Justice Department.
Analysts said his fraud claim pressures news outlets into self-censorship and reflects authoritarian tactics that have fueled past insurrection, deaths, and economic inequality.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the 2020 election was rigged in a June 9, 2024 NBC interview, accused journalist Kristen Welker of corruption, and left the studio after calling the press crooked.
Trump suggested a “weaponization fund” to reward supporters he says were targeted by the Justice Department.
Analysts said his fraud claim pressures news outlets into self-censorship and reflects authoritarian tactics that have fueled past insurrection, deaths, and economic inequality.