President Trump spoke with Norah O’Donnell after the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, offering his account of events, reactions to the gunman, and reflections on security and the press.
He began by saying he was physically well after what he called a very difficult evening to watch. Asked whether he believed he was the gunman’s target, he said he did not know for sure but described the suspect as radicalized, noting the man had been a Christian believer who later turned anti-Christian and that family members had raised concerns with police. The president called the attacker a “sick” individual.
On why he might be targeted, Trump suggested that “consequential” presidents attract danger. He pointed to actions his administration took — Venezuela policy and the strike that killed Qasem Soleimani — and compared the risk to historical assassinations. He framed his policies on borders, sports and transgender issues as patriotic rather than controversial, and said doing big things draws opposition.
Describing the moment he realized something was wrong, Trump said he saw the First Lady’s reaction and heard a loud bang; he initially hoped it was something minor but quickly concluded it was a gunshot. He praised the First Lady’s poise under pressure and said both of them were escorted down to a secure room by security after being told to go down. He added that he briefly tried to keep the event going because he did not want a lone criminal to cancel an important gathering honoring the First Amendment and the freedom of the press.
Trump strongly commended law enforcement, calling their response professional and saying agents drew their weapons, secured the room and took the attacker down immediately. He acknowledged that no security system is perfect and suggested some tactical adjustments could be made, such as moving the counterassault point further out, but stressed that the team did well. He also said the gunman appeared to have moved very fast and that weather and logistical issues can complicate perimeter security.
When O’Donnell asked about the suspect, whom authorities identified as Cole Thomas Allen, Trump said he had learned that family members had been warned and had contacted police. He said the attacker had emailed a manifesto to family before the shooting and that people who are smart can still be very sick. Asked about violent language in the manifesto that named officials, the president objected to O’Donnell reading lengthy passages on television and criticized the network; he called the writings those of a sick person and urged that the author be held accountable.
On motive, Trump reiterated that social media and the internet can radicalize people and that the shooter attended “No Kings” rallies, a detail the president linked to what he characterized as left-wing activism. He accused political opponents of funding extreme groups to use them as props to blame Republicans, framing it as a partisan tactic. He also said the far left encourages political violence more than his side does.
O’Donnell pressed about whether the episode would change his relationship with the press. Trump said he often disagrees with reporters and contended that the press and Democrats frequently align, but he noted that after the incident there was bipartisan warmth in the room. He described senators and members of Congress approaching him afterward to offer support and said the atmosphere turned conciliatory.
On practical security changes, Trump said he plans to build a new, highly secure ballroom on White House grounds with bulletproof glass, a single strong entrance and improved suites, which he said would open in 2028. He emphasized the need for robust perimeter measures and said other presidents would benefit from such a facility.
Asked whether he feared more threats, Trump said there was no indication of imminent additional danger and that this appeared to be the act of a lone, disturbed individual who must be prosecuted. He mentioned that the incident reflected a different era in which the internet can radicalize people.
The president also addressed broader themes. He portrayed his administration as having revived the economy and the country, suggesting those who profited under previous approaches are upset when policies change. He referenced lawsuits and past legal settlements with media organizations, framing his grievances against the press as rooted in false reporting and unfair treatment.
Trump closed by recognizing that it was the First Lady’s birthday and offering congratulations. He said he hopes the Correspondents’ Dinner will be held again soon — within 30 days if possible — and repeated his desire not to allow “nutjobs” to cancel public events. He again praised the Secret Service and other responding officers, saying they did a great job and that a wounded agent who was struck insisted on returning to duty after treatment.
O’Donnell thanked the president for the interview, and he thanked her in return.