Why Did Trump Get Angry After Hearing the Word 'Pedophile' From a Female Journalist?

When CBS News journalist Norah O'Donnell mentioned the attacker's alleged manifesto and read out statements calling him a "rapist" and "pedophile," Trump became enraged.

Following the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 25 in Washington, Trump gave an interview to CBS News journalist Norah O'Donnell for 60 Minutes. Initially, Trump appeared calm, but when Norah mentioned the attacker's alleged manifesto and read out statements calling him a "rapist" and "pedophile," Trump became enraged. Trump told the journalist, "I am not that kind of person; they are deliberately trying to defame me. I have nothing to do with those allegations and I am completely innocent."

O'Donnell interrupted and asked, "Oh, do you think he was talking about you?" But Trump ignored her question, saying, "I'm not a rapist. I haven't raped anyone. Are you reading this nonsense from some sick man? My name was linked to things I had nothing to do with. I was completely exonerated."

The US President described the attacker as a "fanatic," an "anti-Christian," and a "very sick man." He said such a person is a danger to society. He blamed the "hate speech" of Democratic leaders for the rising political violence in America, calling it extremely worrying.

Trump became enraged when the journalist mentioned the attacker's alleged manifesto and read out the passages calling Trump a "rapist" and a "pedophile." pic.twitter.com/7qQpGh1xT7

— VOiCE OF MEDIA (@voiceofmedia1) April 27, 2026

The President claimed he wasn't afraid during the shooting. He said he didn't immediately leave because he wanted to understand the situation. According to Trump, he wanted to see for himself what was happening and was prepared to return to the event later. Trump said that Secret Service agents later asked him and First Lady Melania Trump to lie down on the floor, after which they were taken to a safe place.

The attacker has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen. Initial investigations indicate that Allen intended to target members of the Trump administration. He broke through the security cordon and opened fire, but was quickly apprehended by security forces. A security officer was also injured in the clash.

Those who rule over others are actually so cowardly themselves! pic.twitter.com/yH5Sxn5Rei

— VOiCE OF MEDIA (@voiceofmedia1) April 27, 2026