US President Donald Trump lashed out at CBS News anchor Norah O'Donnell during a tense 60 Minutes interview Sunday night, angrily denying allegations from a suspect’s manifesto that he was a “rapist” and “pedophile.” The confrontation erupted when O’Donnell read excerpts from the alleged writings of Cole Allen, the 31-year-old man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night. Allen, a former science teacher from Maryland, was arrested after attempting to breach the security perimeter around the historic event. His purported manifesto, recovered by law enforcement, contains virulent attacks on Trump and other administration figures.

“I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would, because you’re horrible people,” Trump snapped at O’Donnell, according to CBS transcripts. He dismissed the document as the work of a “radicalised, anti-Christian” individual and emphatically denied the graphic accusations. “I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody,” Trump insisted, his voice rising as he challenged the media’s focus on the manifesto. “You’re interviewing a sick person and making him sound like a hero.”

O’Donnell pressed him on whether the references to sexual violence alluded to Trump’s past association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, a topic that has fueled years of controversy. The manifesto does not explicitly name Epstein, but Trump’s ties have long shadowed his presidency. The president fired back, accusing CBS of “disgraceful” tactics and amplifying the rhetoric of a “hateful” attacker.

Allen’s attack unfolded Saturday at the Hilton Washington, where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was underway. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots outside, prompting a swift lockdown as Secret Service agents scrambled to secure the venue. No injuries were reported, but the incident reignited fears over the president’s safety amid a surge in extremist threats.

Trump, in his interview, downplayed concerns, praising his own “coolness” under potential gunfire and mocking the suspect’s attempt. “He ran pretty fast, almost like an NFL player,” Trump quipped, suggesting Allen deserved a sports contract instead of a court trial. Law enforcement sources say the manifesto remains under investigation for authenticity, with Allen facing federal charges.

The exchange capped a volatile week for Trump, who has repeatedly accused Democrats of “hate speech” over his assassination attempts. Critics argue the president’s combative response to media questions only fuels division, as the manifesto’s virulent tone mirrors broader societal fractures. CBS stands by O’Donnell’s line of questioning, emphasizing the need to scrutinize threats against the president. As the fallout unfolds, the clash highlights the raw nerve of press freedoms and political violence in America—where a single question can ignite a firestorm. Trump’s latest outburst may rally his core supporters but could deepen the chasm with a skeptical media and public.