During a tense 60 Minutes interview aired on Sunday evening, April 26, 2026, President Donald Trump repeatedly called CBS News correspondent Norah O’Donnell a "disgrace".

 

Trump calls CBS correspondent Norah O’Donnell a ‘disgrace’

During a tense 60 Minutes interview aired on Sunday evening, April 26, 2026, President Donald Trump repeatedly called CBS News correspondent Norah O’Donnell a "disgrace". The confrontation occurred after O'Donnell read excerpts from a manifesto purportedly written by Cole Tomas Allen, the suspected gunman in the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD) shooting that had taken place just the night before.

 

The Confrontation

The interview, taped on Sunday afternoon, became volatile when O’Donnell asked for the President’s reaction to specific passages in the suspect's 1,052-word document. The excerpts included aggressive labels such as "pedophile" and "rapist".

 

Trump's Reaction: Trump immediately lashed out, stating, "I was waiting for you to read that, because I knew you would, because you’re horrible people". He firmly denied the accusations, stating, "I’m not a rapist... I am not a pedophile".

The "Disgrace" Label: When O'Donnell clarified she was quoting the suspect, Trump told her, "You shouldn't be reading that on 60 Minutes. You're a disgrace". He continued to take jabs at her throughout the remainder of the interview, calling her "disgraceful" multiple times.

 

Context of the Shooting

The interview was centered on the security incident at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, April 25, 2026. A 31-year-old man, Cole Allen, reportedly burst into the hotel with a shotgun and knives while nearly 2,500 guests, including the President and Cabinet members, were assembled for the gala. The dinner was canceled, and the suspect was apprehended after a shootout with law enforcement.

 

Key Exchanges

Topic             Norah O'Donnell (Quoting Manifesto)      Donald Trump's Response

Direct Accusations        "I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor..."       "You're a disgrace... I was totally exonerated."

The Shooter           Asked about Allen's political affiliations and surveillance of the hotel.        "He's a sick person... you should be ashamed of yourself reading that."

The Event    Questioned why the gunman targeted the dinner.            Urged the WHCA to reschedule the event within 30 days, saying he "doesn't want to see it canceled".

The incident has sparked significant debate, with press freedom organizations criticizing the President's personal attacks on a journalist for reporting on an active investigation into a public security threat.