CNBC's Joe Kernen Flatters Trump in Oval Office Interview as President Defends $1.4 Billion Family Income
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 3
CNBC's Joe Kernen Flatters Trump in Oval Office Interview as President Defends $1.4 Billion Family Income
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 3
Summary
Joe Kernen repeatedly praised Donald Trump during a CNBC Oval Office interview, lauding the room, his plane and his business record before asking about claims he is enriching himself in office.
Trump largely sidestepped that question, pointing instead to record stock highs and saying his sons run the business when Kernen pressed on family profits.
The exchange also revealed Kernen had brought his 24-year-old son to the interview, after Trump referenced “your beautiful son standing over there” while attacking electric-vehicle mandates.
Trump appeared pleased throughout, calling Kernen a longtime friend and telling staff to give him more time during the sit-down.
The interview followed fresh scrutiny of Trump's family finances after disclosures showed as much as $1.4 billion in 2025 income, including major crypto-related earnings.