Donald Trump sharply criticised a CBS journalist during his first major interview following the recent shooting scare at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, after remarks from the suspect’s alleged manifesto were read on air.
Tense Exchange During ‘60 Minutes’ Interview
The confrontation took place during an interview with Norah O’Donnell on the programme 60 Minutes.
O’Donnell quoted a passage from the alleged manifesto of the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, which referenced accusations tied to the controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The excerpt suggested the attacker’s motive was linked to perceived grievances involving high-profile individuals.
‘I’m Not a Rapist’: Trump Responds
Reacting strongly, Trump rejected the claims mentioned in the manifesto:
- Denied all allegations outright
- Called the gunman a “sick person”
- Accused the media of amplifying false narratives
“I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody… I’m not a pedophile,” Trump said during the exchange, visibly angered by the line of questioning.
He further criticised the journalist, calling the decision to read the excerpt “disgraceful.”
Reporter Clarifies Context
O’Donnell clarified that she was quoting directly from the suspect’s writings to provide context about the attacker’s possible motives.
Despite the clarification, the exchange escalated, with Trump accusing the media of linking him to allegations he said were unrelated and previously addressed.
Context: White House Dinner Shooting Incident
The interview comes shortly after the shooting incident at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.:
- A gunman opened fire near the venue
- Security agencies quickly intervened
- The suspect was taken into custody
- No major injuries were reported among top officials
The incident triggered widespread concern over security at high-profile political events.
Trump’s Reaction to the Shooting
During the interview, Trump also reflected on the moment shots were fired:
- Said he initially wanted to assess the situation himself
- Described the incident as a “different kind of problem”
- Emphasised that he was not immediately worried about personal safety
Political and Media Fallout
The heated exchange highlights:
- Ongoing tensions between Trump and sections of the media
- Sensitivity around misinformation and violent incidents
- The broader political fallout of the shooting scare
The episode has sparked debate over media responsibility and how extremist content, such as manifestos, should be reported.
