- John Lyons is a veteran Australian journalist and ABC’s Americas Editor known for investigative journalism and foreign correspondence.
- Lyons confronted Donald Trump in September 2025 over the former president’s business dealings while in office, prompting a sharp rebuke.
- Trump accused Lyons of harming Australia’s interests, threatening to raise the issue with Prime Minister Albanese.
- The ABC defended Lyons’ professionalism and editorial independence, emphasizing the importance of holding public figures accountable.
John Lyons is a highly respected Australian journalist known for his extensive experience and award-winning work. As the Americas Editor for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Lyons has built a formidable reputation through his deep investigative reporting and foreign correspondence, particularly in the United States and the Middle East.
Recently, Lyons made headlines for a tense exchange with former US President Donald Trump during a press interaction, which sparked significant media buzz.
Who Is ABC Journalist John Lyons?
John Lyons, born in 1961, is an acclaimed Australian journalist with a rich career spanning decades. He has held prestigious roles including editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, executive producer of the Sunday program on the Nine Network, and head of investigative journalism at the ABC. Lyons’ coverage has spanned global affairs, with notable work in the Middle East and the United States.
He is a four-time Walkley Award winner and the recipient of the Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year Award. Lyons is also an accomplished author, with memoirs and books detailing his journalistic experiences, including his time reporting in Jerusalem.
ABC’s John Lyons has fired back at Donald Trump’s “absurd notion” that asking legitimate questions could damage relations b/w the US & Australia
“If our job as journalists is to hold truth to power, then surely asking legitimate questions politely…should be acceptable”🔥💯#Abc pic.twitter.com/O7eEqDbni2— stranger (@strangerous10) September 16, 2025
John Lyons’ Career and Expertise
Lyons has excelled as a foreign correspondent and investigative journalist. His deep knowledge of global politics and current affairs has made him a leading figure at ABC, where he oversees major programs like Four Corners and 7.30.
Lyons has interviewed significant political figures and covered contentious issues, from Middle Eastern conflicts to American politics. His journalism is known for its rigorous research and balanced reporting.
The Clash Between John Lyons and Donald Trump
The recent high-profile clash occurred during Trump’s state visit to the UK in September 2025. Lyons questioned Trump, focusing on the former president’s business dealings while in office and alleged increases in personal wealth since resuming the presidency in January 2025. Lyons asked a pointed question on whether it was appropriate for a sitting president to be engaged in numerous business ventures a question rooted in public interest and careful research.
Trump reacted strongly, accusing Lyons of “hurting Australia” by setting a negative tone in diplomatic relations. He warned that he would report the matter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. When Lyons attempted to follow up with another question, Trump curtly told him, “quiet,” and moved on. The confrontation was marked by Trump’s defensive posture and a clear effort to suppress critical questioning.
Union members at the ABC and across the media industry stand with John Lyons and reject the US President’s unfounded attacks on our colleague.#MEAAmedia pic.twitter.com/ZjgDytHLaJ
— MEAA (@withMEAA) September 17, 2025
ABC’s Response and Journalistic Integrity
The ABC defended John Lyons, emphasizing that he is a highly experienced reporter known for fairness and professionalism. Lyons himself rejected claims that his questions damaged diplomatic ties, describing them as “absurd.”
The broadcaster highlighted the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable through public interest journalism. Despite the tension, the ABC remained accredited for Trump’s visit, though it was later barred from a joint UK press conference for “logistical reasons,” with no direct connection confirmed to the earlier clash.
John Lyons’ Journalistic Awards and Recognitions
Lyons is a decorated journalist, having won multiple prestigious awards that include four Walkley Awards and the Graham Perkin Award for Journalist of the Year.
His investigative reports have earned international attention, notably his work on the Israeli military’s treatment of Palestinian children, published through ABC’s Four Corners program.
His recognition underscores his credibility and commitment to in-depth, truthful reporting.
Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
