‘I Am Completely Cleared’: Trump Clashes With CBS Journalist Over Shooter's Alleged Manifesto Remarks

During a tense exchange on “60 Minutes,” President Donald Trump confronted CBS journalist Norah O’Donnell after she read excerpts from an alleged manifesto attributed to the shooter involved in the recent incident outside the White House Correspondents Association Dinner.

“This so-called manifesto is quite alarming, Mr. President. It seems to suggest a motive,” O’Donnell stated, quoting the document: “‘Administration officials, they are targets.’ He also wrote, ‘I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.’ What do you make of that?”

Trump responded sharply, “I was expecting you to read that because I knew you would. You’re horrible people. Yes, he wrote that. But let me be clear: I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anyone. I’m not a pedophile.”

“Do you believe he was alluding to you?” O’Donnell pressed.

“I’m not a pedophile. You’re reading nonsense from a disturbed individual. I’ve been wrongfully associated with things that have nothing to do with me. I was completely cleared,” Trump asserted. “Your friends on the other side are the ones tied to Epstein and similar matters. You should feel ashamed for reading that because I’m none of those things.”

“Mr. President, those are the words of the gunman,” O’Donnell replied.

“Excuse me. You shouldn’t be airing that on ‘60 Minutes.’ You’re a disgrace,” Trump shot back.

Neither the White House nor CBS News provided immediate comments following the interview.

Reports from CBS News and The Associated Press indicate that the shooter’s writings included references to administration officials and critiques of government actions. Trump claimed to have read the manifesto, asserting that it contained “anti-Christian” sentiments.

According to The AP, “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 various administration actions.”

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Sunday that it appeared the shooter intended to target individuals working in the administration, potentially including the president himself.

HuffPost has not independently verified any writings allegedly belonging to the suspect involved in Saturday night’s attack.