Trump lashes out at "60 Minutes" for asking about gunman manifesto allegations
President Trump called CBS' Norah O'Donnell "disgraceful" during a "60 Minutes" interview Sunday after she raised comments the gunman from the White House Correspondents' Association dinner allegedly made about him in a manifesto.
The big picture: O'Donnell asked Trump for his reaction to the manifesto and allegations the suspect appeared to make about him, prompting the president to say: "I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would because you're horrible people. ... Yeah, he did write that. I'm not a rapist. I didn't rape anybody."
What they're saying: "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," Trump said.
"Your friends on the other side of the plate are the ones that were involved with, let's say, Epstein or other things," he said, without elaborating further. "I read the manifesto. You know, he's a sick person. But you should be ashamed of yourself reading that because I'm not any of those things."O'Donnell emphasized that the words were not hers, but Trump told her she "shouldn't be reading that on '60 Minutes,'" adding: "You're a disgrace. But go ahead. Let's finish the interview. ... You're disgraceful."
Zoom out: Press freedom groups have previously criticized Trump for his verbal attacks on journalists, with the Society of Professional Journalists saying they mark "an unmistakable pattern of hostility — often directed at women — that undermines the essential role of a free and independent press."
Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Go deeper: Trump targets women reporters with disparaging rhetoric
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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