Full Breakdown
Trump Confronts CBS Anchor Over Suspect’s Manifesto During Post-Shooting Interview
4/27/2026, 8:26:17 PM
Trump’s Confrontation on “60 Minutes”
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, President Donald Trump was interviewed by CBS anchor Norah O'Donnell for “60 Minutes.” When O'Donnell read a passage from Cole Tomas Allen’s manifesto, the alleged White House Correspondents' Dinner shooter, Trump responded with anger, denying the accusations that he was a pedophile, rapist or traitor and accusing the network of broadcasting “sick” content.
Shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Gunfire erupted near the Washington Hilton screening area on April 25, 2026, during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. One law-enforcement officer was wounded and later released from the hospital. The shooter, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California, allegedly mailed his manifesto to family members shortly before the attack.
Principal Actors
President Donald Trump; Norah O'Donnell, CBS “60 Minutes” anchor; Cole Tomas Allen, suspect; Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General; Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey; Melania Trump, First Lady; the injured law-enforcement officer.
Timeline of Key Events
- Apr 25 2026 – Shooting; one officer injured.
- Apr 25 evening – Allen’s manifesto recovered, naming the president.
- Apr 26 2026 – Trump interview on “60 Minutes.”
- Apr 26 later – Trump denounces broadcast; Erdogan condemns attack on democracy.
- Apr 27 2026 – Allen slated for arraignment on firearms and assault charges.
Key Data
One officer was released on April 27. Allen legally purchased multiple firearms in California, traveled to Washington by train, and checked into the Hilton before the attack. The manifesto was sent to family members shortly before the shooting.
Official Statements
President Trump said he had been unfairly linked to the suspect’s accusations and called the network’s decision to read the manifesto a disgrace to journalism. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said evidence shows Allen acted alone and intended to target administration personnel, likely including the president. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking to the Turkish Presidency, condemned the incident as a heinous act against democracy and press freedom.
Criticism of the Broadcast
Trump called CBS “horrible people” and a “disgrace,” accusing it of amplifying a “sick” narrative and giving an inappropriate platform to the manifesto.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm not a rapist. I didn't rape anybody. I'm not a pedophile. Excuse me. Excuse me. I'm not a pedophile. You read that crap from some sick person? I got associated with all - stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated. Allen identified his targets as” — Donald Trump, President
- “You read that crap from some sick person?” — Donald Trump, President
- “I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” — Cole Tomas Allen, suspect (as quoted by Norah O'Donnell)
- “You shouldn’t be reading that on ‘60 Minutes.’ You’re a disgrace,” — Donald Trump, President
Outlook
Allen is set for arraignment on Monday on federal firearms and assault charges. The Justice Department continues to investigate his travel and communications, while Turkish officials have pledged diplomatic support.
