Arabic version: توم تيت يعتذر ويدافع عن روايته بشأن عشاء مع ترامب

According to ABC News, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has apologised for swearing at a journalist while continuing to stand by his recollection of having dinner with US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in February.

Mr Tate said he was “out of line” when he used a swear word during questioning on Tuesday. He said frustration was not an excuse and that, as mayor, he had to “rise above that”.

The dispute concerns a Florida visit for the signing of a proposed Gold Coast Trump Tower between a Queensland developer and the Trump Organization. Mr Tate had told media outlets that he dined with Mr Trump, describing tomahawk steaks and expensive wine. He now says they spoke about tariffs and Australia’s movie industry before dinner, outside the dining room.

However, the White House said Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump “did not have dinner with that group”, including Mr Tate. A Trump Organization spokesperson said the president briefly greeted the mayor’s table on the patio before attending a separate dinner, calling Mr Tate’s account “a complete fabrication”.

Mr Tate said he disagreed, maintaining that he had a conversation and dinner with the president while declining to discuss what he described as private matters. Council records list only “Meeting with Trump Organization” for three days at Mar-a-Lago. Ratepayers paid for flights to Florida, while Mr Tate has said he was invited as mayor and has described parts of the trip as private.