President Donald Trump sharply criticized CBS News' Norah O'Donnell during a '60 Minutes' interview after she read excerpts from the alleged manifesto of Cole Thomas Allen, the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. Trump called O'Donnell a 'disgrace' for quoting the document, which accused him of being a 'pedophile, rapist, and traitor.'
Core Facts
Trump, appearing on '60 Minutes' Sunday, reacted angrily when O'Donnell read from Allen's manifesto, which was sent to his family minutes before the attempted attack. The manifesto included accusations against Trump, including claims he was a 'pedophile, rapist, and traitor.' Trump denied the allegations, stating, 'I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody. I’m not a pedophile.' He also criticized O'Donnell for reading the manifesto, calling her 'horrible people' and saying she should be 'ashamed.'
Deeper Context
Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from Torrance, California, faces charges of using a firearm in a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer. The manifesto, which investigators are reviewing, included anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric. Trump dismissed the shooter as 'incompetent' and praised the Secret Service for subduing him. He also referenced his past denials of involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier with ties to high-profile figures.
Multiple Perspectives
The interview highlighted tensions between Trump and the media, with the president accusing journalists of bias. He also framed the shooting as part of broader political rhetoric, insisting, 'I’m not a king,' in response to references to a 'No Kings' protest. The exchange underscored Trump's tendency to respond to perceived implications in questions rather than the questions themselves.
Key Details
- Trump called O'Donnell a 'disgrace' for reading the manifesto.
- The manifesto accused Trump of being a 'pedophile, rapist, and traitor.'
- Trump denied the allegations and criticized O'Donnell's decision to read the manifesto on air.
- Allen faces charges related to the attempted attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
- Trump praised the Secret Service's response to the incident.