President Trump posted a short video of 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl without a mask on and said he may post more footage after an interview reportedly ended early at the White House.
Trump sat with Stahl of CBS News on Tuesday for a segment that is expected to air on Sunday. It was reported that the president cut the interview short and walked out, although a source at the White House told the Washington Examiner that the interview ended following a “natural break.”
The source also said that Stahl was “very antagonistic and seemed ill-prepared in a wide-ranging interview,” adding that Trump spent more than 40 minutes speaking with Stahl.
The New York Times, citing two people familiar with the series of events, reported that the president became frustrated with Stahl’s questions and ultimately ended the interview, further refusing to do a “walk and talk” segment with Stahl and Vice President Mike Pence.
Trump posted the video of a maskless Stahl, which appeared to be filmed without her knowledge, after the interview had concluded.
“Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes not wearing a mask in the White House after her interview with me. Much more to come,” Trump teased, before drafting another tweet where he threatened to release more footage of the interview days before it is set to air. Stahl was hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this year and recovered from the illness months ago.
Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes not wearing a mask in the White House after her interview with me. Much more to come. pic.twitter.com/0plZG6a4fH
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2020
“I am pleased to inform you that, for the sake of accuracy in reporting, I am considering posting my interview with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes, PRIOR TO AIRTIME! This will be done so that everybody can get a glimpse of what a FAKE and BIASED interview is all about,” he said.
Trump also contracted the coronavirus a few weeks ago. He has since recovered and returned to the campaign trail. Election Day is two weeks away, and the president is trailing former Vice President Joe Biden by a wide margin in national polling.
“Everyone should compare this terrible Electoral Intrusion with the recent interviews of Sleepy Joe Biden!” Trump added.
…Everyone should compare this terrible Electoral Intrusion with the recent interviews of Sleepy Joe Biden!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2020
The Washington Examiner reached out to CBS News for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
