President Donald Trump slammed CBS reporter Norah O'Donnell during a '60 Minutes' interview on Sunday after she read part of an alleged manifesto written by a suspect in the shooting that took place outside the White House Correspondents Association Dinner on Saturday.
The Interview Exchange
'The so-called manifesto is a stunning thing to read, Mr. President. He appears to reference a motive in it,' O'Donnell said. 'He writes this quote: “Administration officials, they are targets.” And he also wrote this: “I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.” What’s your reaction to that?'
'Well, I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would, because you’re horrible people, horrible people. Yeah, he did write that. I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody. I’m not a pedophile,' Trump said. 'Do you think he was referring to you?' O’Donnell asked. 'I’m not a pedophile. You read that crap from some sick person. I got associated with stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated,' Trump said. 'Your friends on the other side of the plate are the ones that were involved with, let’s say, Epstein or other things. …You should be ashamed of yourself reading that because I’m not any of those things.'
'Mr. President, these are the gunman’s words,' O'Donnell said. 'Excuse me. You shouldn’t be reading that on “60 Minutes.” You’re a disgrace,' Trump said. The White House and CBS News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Background on the Incident
CBS News and The Associated Press have reported that the suspected shooter referenced administration officials in his writings as well as critiques of the administration. Trump has also said he read the manifesto and claimed that the suspect espoused 'anti-Christian' views.
'The writings, sent shortly before shots were fired Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, made repeated references to President Donald Trump without naming him directly and alluded to grievances over a range of administration actions,' The AP reported. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that it appeared that the shooter had 'set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president.'
HuffPost has not independently reviewed any writings purported to be from the suspect in Saturday night’s attack.
