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September 18, 2025 – Australia/USA –
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was barred from attending a joint press conference between U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, outside London, sparking outrage over press freedom concerns. Downing Street cited “logistical reasons” for the exclusion, though ABC was told it would still have access to other parts of the event. The decision came just days after ABC’s Americas editor, John Lyons, clashed with Trump in Washington.
At the White House earlier that week, Lyons asked Trump how much his personal wealth had grown since returning to the presidency and pressed him on whether his business interests conflicted with his duties as president. Trump lashed out at Lyons, accusing him of “hurting Australia” and branding him a “foreign fake news loser” on social media. He also claimed Lyons’ line of questioning set a “bad tone” and suggested he would raise the issue with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Trump insisted his children were running his businesses and dismissed suggestions of a conflict.
The timing of ABC’s exclusion has fueled speculation that it was directly tied to the confrontation. ABC executives stressed they had received no official explanation linking the ban to Lyons, but they defended their journalist’s work. Australian politicians from across the spectrum also backed Lyons, praising him for asking tough but legitimate questions and warning against any attempt to punish reporters for doing their jobs.
The incident has stirred debate in Australia about the treatment of foreign journalists and the implications for diplomatic relations. Critics argue that sidelining ABC at such a high-profile international event undermines democratic principles and press freedom. Observers noted that while Trump has often had combative exchanges with reporters, this case involved an accredited foreign broadcaster being blocked from covering a major bilateral meeting.
For ABC, the controversy highlights both the risks and responsibilities of challenging global leaders. Lyons stood by his questioning, insisting it was appropriate and professional. His exclusion from the UK press conference underscores growing tensions between Trump and international media outlets, raising broader questions about transparency and accountability in the current political climate.
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