Donald Trump has accused an Australian journalist of "hurting Australia" after the leader was asked about his business deals while in office, BBC reported.

The US president was asked by John Lyons from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) how much wealthier he had become since returning to the White House in January.

"I don't know," Trump replied, saying his children handled the family businesses. "In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me."

Trump said he was going to be meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "very soon", adding: "I'm going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone," according to BBC.