Read the full transcript of Norah O'Donnell's interview with President Trump here
Key Points:
- Former President Donald Trump discussed the recent assassination attempt on his life at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, describing the event as chaotic but praising the swift response of law enforcement and Secret Service agents who subdued the gunman quickly.
- Trump characterized the attacker, Cole Thomas Allen, as a "sick lone wolf" who was radicalized and had sent a manifesto to family members prior to the attack; Trump rejected the gunman's claims against him, calling them false and offensive.
- Trump emphasized that the attack was a result of his consequential presidency, citing his policies on border security and other issues, and criticized the political left and media for promoting hate and division in the country.
- He revealed plans to build a new, highly secure ballroom on White House grounds to prevent similar security breaches in the future and expressed his commitment to continuing the White House Correspondents' Dinner despite the attack.
- Trump addressed conspiracy theories denying the attack, dismissed them as "sick," and called for unity while criticizing what he described as biased media coverage and political opposition.