By Americas editor John Lyons in Washington DC
The chance to ask questions of the President of the United States is rare.
It's difficult enough trying to put a question to Donald Trump's press secretary, so we knew our chances of trying to ask him a question weren't great.
But that didn't stop my camera operator and I from heading to the White House to try, day or night, rain or shine.
On our fourth attempt we were successful.
As part of our Four Corners investigation into Trump's wealth, we wanted to ask: How much wealthier was he now than when he returned to office? Did he think it was appropriate to be engaged in so many business deals? And what does he think foreign governments want in return for doing business with his family?
And so, I found myself face-to-face with the US President. He smiled when I prefaced my first question by saying he's "generally regarded as the wealthiest man who's ever occupied the White House".
"I hope so!" he said with obvious pride.
I'd gotten his attention, so I kept the questions coming. But when I asked if his business activity was "appropriate", it seemed to hit a nerve.
His demeanour changed within seconds, clearly displeased at being challenged. He asked where I was from, said I was "hurting Australia" and that he would talk to Australia's prime minister about me.
That exchange made global headlines, and I found myself being the story — a strange experience for a journalist who is used to telling them.
Donald Trump is rarely challenged, whether that's in his own administration or by the swathe of friendly media that's been brought in, which is why normal questions can stand out.
There was nothing particularly provocative about my questions. My tone was respectful, and he clearly had no problem engaging with me.
But what seemed to upset Trump was that the questions were seeking answers, not questions inviting praise.
In Australia and many other countries, and with many other leaders, such questions would have been seen as business as usual.
For tonight's Four Corners, what we found investigating Trump's wealth was a mix of business and politics by a US president on a scale that's never been seen before.
I hope you'll watch.
Watch Four Corners: Chasing Trump’s Billions, tonight from 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
