Trump clashes with Aussie reporter Latika Bourke over Ukraine in tense White House exchange

WASHINGTON, DC: A tense moment unfolded inside the White House on Monday, October 20, as US President Donald Trump lashed out at Australian journalist Latika Bourke for “not knowing anything” after she questioned his refusal to give Ukraine long-range missiles.

The fiery exchange came during Trump’s joint meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, just days after his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Bourke, representing 'The Nightly', pressed Trump on why he wasn’t doing more to ensure a Ukrainian victory over Russia, sparking a sharp rebuke from the president.

Trump hits back after tough question from Australian journalist

Bourke asked Trump, “You have within your power, the most powerful man on Earth, why don’t you just enable Ukraine to finish this war tomorrow?”

Trump immediately shot back, “Well, if you knew anything about what you were talking about, you’d be able—” before Bourke interrupted, saying, “I do.”

“You do? I don’t think you do, really,” Trump replied curtly. “Because it’s a little more complicated than that, but it sounds easy.”

The brief but heated moment drew murmurs from reporters gathered in the room, with Trump ultimately calling for calm as journalists continued shouting questions over one another

Trump defends his Ukraine position amid growing criticism

During the press conference, Trump reiterated his stance that sending Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv would only escalate tensions with Moscow and undermine potential peace negotiations.

“We’re in the process of trying to make a deal,” Trump said. “If we make a deal, that’s great. If we don’t make a deal, it’ll be a lot of people who are paying a big price.”

The president has recently floated the idea of freezing the war along current frontlines, effectively recognizing Russian territorial gains, a move that has been met with skepticism from Kyiv and Western allies.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s proposal, saying Russia’s position doesn’t change. 

Latika Bourke’s history of clashes with political leaders

This isn’t the first time Latika Bourke has found herself in a tense political moment. She previously clashed with Anthony Albanese in New York last month after questioning his remarks about whether he had Trump’s personal phone number.

At the time, Albanese snapped, “Don’t verbal me, don’t verbal me,” after Bourke contrasted his access with that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who reportedly phoned Trump directly while stuck in Manhattan traffic.

Bourke later clarified that her question was meant to highlight the difference in communication styles between world leaders.

A heated moment underscores Trump’s unpredictable diplomacy

The White House exchange with Bourke adds to a growing list of fiery moments between Trump and members of the international press.

Still, the president appeared unfazed, later telling reporters he was “focused on peace, not provocation.”