Full Breakdown
Donald Trump Denies Pedophile and Rapist Labels in Interview After Assassination Attempt
4/28/2026, 5:09:08 AM
Interview Response to Accusations
During a televised interview on *60 Minutes* following an assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump reacted to being labeled a pedophile and a rapist. When interviewer O'Donnell referenced the shooter’s manifesto, Trump interrupted, denied the accusations, and accused the interviewer of disgraceful conduct. His remarks centered on personal exoneration rather than details of the attempt.
Context: Shooter’s Manifesto and Prior Court Ruling
The interview referenced a manifesto released by the individual who attempted the attack, which reportedly contained language linking Trump to sexual offenses. The article also notes a New York judge’s decision from three years earlier that permitted the use of the term “rapist” in reference to Trump. Additionally, Trump invoked the name of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting that his political opponents were associated with Epstein’s activities.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump asserted that he is not a pedophile and that he has been fully cleared of related allegations. He emphasized that he was “totally exonerated” and implied that his adversaries, not he, have connections to Epstein. He characterized the interview question as a “disgrace” and instructed the journalist to stop reading the manifesto aloud.
Criticism & Opposition
O'Donnell’s attempt to discuss the manifesto was met with a forceful rebuke, leading the interviewer to be cut off. Critics of the interview style argue that the line of questioning diverted attention from the assassination attempt and that Trump’s hostile response limited substantive discussion of the shooter’s motives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m not a pedophile.” — Donald Trump, former President
- “I was totally exonerated.” — Donald Trump, former President
- “Your friends on the other side of the plate are the ones that were involved with, let’s say, Epstein or other things,” Trump said.” — Donald Trump, former President
- “You shouldn’t be reading that on 60 Minutes. You’re a disgrace. Go ahead, let’s finish the interview.” — Donald Trump, former President
- “Excuse me, excuse me. I’m not a pedophile. You read that crap from some sick person. Uh, I got associated with stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated. Your friends on the other side of the plate are the ones that were involved with, let’s say, Epstein or other things,” — Donald Trump, former President
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not disclose the specific content of the shooter’s manifesto, the precise circumstances of the assassination attempt, or the legal reasoning behind the New York judge’s ruling. No statements from the interviewer, the program, or law-enforcement officials are provided.
Implications
Trump’s denial and confrontational tone may shape public perception of the assassination attempt and influence ongoing legal and media scrutiny. The exchange highlights tensions between political figures and journalists when addressing allegations tied to high-profile criminal cases. It may also affect future interview protocols.
