Trump abruptly ends 60 Minutes interview and threatens to release tape early

Move came an hour after Mr Trump posted video of journalist without mask

Donald Trump threatened to post a 60 Minutes interview he cut short 'PRIOR TO AIRTIME' as he mask-shamed a journalist.

The president tweeted the threat an hour after it was reported he "abruptly" walked out on a White House interview with Lesley Stahl of CBS News.

"I am pleased to inform you that, for the sake of accuracy in reporting, I am considering posting my interview with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes, PRIOR TO AIRTIME!" wrote Mr Trump.

"This will be done so that everybody can get a glimpse of what a FAKE and BIASED interview is all about..."

“...Everyone should compare this terrible Electoral Intrusion with the recent interviews of Sleepy Joe Biden!”

He did not elaborate on what he meant by “Electoral Intrusion”.

Later at his rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr Trump again targeted the TV show.

“Oh, and you have to watch, you have to watch what we do to 60 Minutes. You'll get such a kick out of it. You're gonna get a kick out of it. Lesley Stahl's not gonna be happy,” said Mr Trump.

The president earlier posted video of the CBS News' 60 Minutes host without her mask on and attacked her for not taking Covid-19 precautions

"Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes not wearing a mask in the White House after her interview with me. Much more to come,' tweeted the president along with the 6 second video.  

Mr Trump reportedly walked out of his solo interview with Ms Stahl after 45 minutes and refused to take part in a joint interview with vice president Mike Pence which had apparently been set up with the broadcaster.

The president reportedly told the CBS crew that they had enough footage to run, according to CNN.

CBS News has not yet commented.

Mr Trump's rival for the White House Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris are also sitting down for 60 Minutes interviews.

All four politicians will be featured on this Sunday's show.

Ms Stahl addressed catching Covid-19 in a May episode of the show.

"After two weeks at home in bed, weak, fighting pneumonia, and really scared, I went to the hospital. I found an overworked, nearly overwhelmed staff. 

"Every one of them kind, sympathetic, gentle and caring from the moment I arrived until the moment days later when I was wheeled out through a gauntlet of cheering medical workers.

"In the face of so much death, they celebrate their triumphs."