Watch: In Zelenskyy-type clash, Trump calls journalist’s question ‘stupid’ while backing Hegseth, says ‘that's why no one trusts news’

In a combative interview marking his 100th day in office, US President Donald Trump dismissed a question from ABC News journalist Terry Moran as “stupid,” in what appeared to be a confrontation similar to what he had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February.

In a combative interview marking his 100th day in office, President Donald Trump clashed sharply with ABC News anchor Terry Moran, brushing off a question as a “stupid question” and lashing out at the media — in an exchange that echoed his earlier Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Pressed on whether he had “100% confidence” in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump snapped: “I don’t have 100% confidence in anything, okay? Anything.” He went on to say, “Only a liar would say I have 100% confidence. I don’t have 100% confidence that we’re gonna finish this interview.”


When Moran emphasized the importance of the defense secretary’s role, Trump dismissed the premise entirely. “Do I have 100%? It’s a stupid question,” he said bluntly.


The tense exchange continued as Trump told Moran, “I’ve never heard of you… They’re giving you the big break of a lifetime.” He added, “You’re not being very nice. That’s why no one trusts the news.”

The tone was reminiscent of Trump’s February meeting with Zelenskyy, where he and Vice President JD Vance had publicly rebuked the Ukrainian leader over U.S. support.

At that time, Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful and warned: “You’re gambling with World War III. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”

Trump's defence on the China question

During the ABC interview, Trump also doubled down on his aggressive stance toward China, defending his administration’s steep 145% tariffs.

“That’s good,” he said. “They deserve it.”

When Moran warned that the tariffs could raise prices across sectors — from electronics to housing — Trump shrugged off the concern. “You don’t know that. You don’t know whether or not China’s gonna eat it,” he said.

“China probably will eat those tariffs,” he repeated. “They were ripping us off like nobody’s ever ripped us off… They’re not doing that anymore.”