The 60 Minutes interview that President Trump cut short
Tonight, in what has become an election year tradition for 60 Minutes — conversations with the major party candidates for president and vice president of the United States.
We begin with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. I spoke with the president on Tuesday in the Roosevelt Room at the White House.
- Joe Biden: The 60 Minutes 2020 Election Interview
- Moments from 60 Minutes' interview with President Trump
- Moments from 60 Minutes' interview with Joe Biden
We had prepared to talk about the many issues and questions facing the president, but in what has become an all-too-public dust-up, the conversation was cut short. It began politely, but ended regrettably, contentiously.
Lesley Stahl: Are you ready for some tough questions?
President Donald Trump: You're gonna be fair.
Lesley Stahl: Are you g--
President Donald Trump: Just be-
Lesley Stahl: I'm gonna be fair.
President Donald Trump: Just be fair.
Lesley Stahl: But you're okay with some tough questions?
President Donald Trump: No, I'm not. I mean--
Lesley Stahl: (LAUGH) You're not okay with tough questions?
President Donald Trump: I want them to be fair. You-- you don't ask Biden tough questions.
President Donald Trump: Okay. Are you ready--
Lesley Stahl: You ready? Everybody ready? So we have the pandemic. On your watch, we've had racial strife, we've had looting. Why do you want this job? Why do you wanna be president again?
President Donald Trump: Because we've done a great job and it's not finished yet. And when I finish, this country will be in a position like it hasn't been maybe ever. The economy is already roaring back. And-- other people aren't gonna bring it back, certainly the person that we're dealing with is not gonna bring it back. They're gonna raise taxes.