Trump Muzzling Australian Good-Accountability Yet Again!

Donald Trump has done it again. Instead of answering a question, he’s picked a fight.

Yet this target wasn’t an American rival or a late-night comedian — it was Australian journalist John Lyons. The ABC reporter asked about Trump’s wealth – and instead of dealing in facts, Trump reached for the oldest trick in his well-thumbed playbook: insults. Lyons was called a “fake-news loser” and accused of damaging US-Australia relations. All for doing his job.

Which brings us neatly to Trump’s favourite slogan: MAGA.
I have rebranded it for the occasion.

Muzzling Australian Good-Accountability Again

Because that’s exactly what was on show.

• M is for Muzzling.
  Trump’s reflex is to silence anyone who doesn’t feed his ego. Tough questions aren’t disrespectful — they’re the whole point of journalism.
• A is for Australian.
  Lyons’ nationality became the easy target, as though being from Australia makes you less entitled to demand answers. It’s playground politics dressed up as patriotism.
• G is for Good Accountability.
  The thing every politician dodges like a kangaroo on a country road. Accountability means facts, transparency, and yes — uncomfortable questions.
• A is for Again?
  Yes, again. Trump has made a career out of smearing reporters who won’t fall into line. Only this time, he picked on an Aussie, and we don’t exactly roll over.

Why should Australians care about an American president’s tantrum?

Because this isn’t just about one insult. It’s about a world-view that says journalists are enemies, that accountability is weakness, and that truth only counts if it’s flattering. If that’s the precedent, then democracy is in strife — here, there, and everywhere in between.

And honestly?

The whole thing is embarrassing. Imagine being so fragile that a single question from across the Pacific rattles you into a public meltdown. Imagine thinking muzzling the press makes you look like a strong leader – when in reality it paints you as petty and insecure.

Geezus Trump, when are you going to grow up and let the adults back into the white house?