Trump trumps Norah O’Donnell on humiliating “60 Minutes,” Sunday, April 26, 2026
“60 Minutes” has been my favorite news analysis show, particularly in the years when it was produced by my former student, the brilliant Bill Owens.
There was an incredible one-of-a-kind interview Sunday night…the most memorable exchange between a president and a journalist I have ever seen. For two decades I taught Media Criticism at Towson University, and I founded the course.
One night after the murderous attempt against principals at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner by another publicity-seeking, self-serving, 31 year-old unaccomplished, uninteresting male who, unsurprisingly was a California teacher, “60 Minutes” corralled President Trump for an interview.
Virtually all of the material information up to Sunday night had been wheedled already from all sources.
Why did the president grant the interview? He had said all he could say in interviews prior to that with Norah O’Donnell, such as on Fox with Jacqui Heinrich.
The interview started out innocuously enough with references to Trump’s reactions to hearing what were likely shots and his concern for his wife, Melania.
Then the interview turned to his history with the press and implicitly with CBS, O’Donnell’s home network.
Trump was loaded for bear.
I can sum up Trump’s message in one of his attacks on O’Donnell: “You ought to be ashamed of yourself.”
I would have thought, “She won’t air that,” but she did, and she teared up a bit but trudged through.
Trump was asked about the press, and O’Donnell read horrible false charges in the would-be assassin’s “Manifesto.” It referred to Trump as a pedophile and rapist. Trump actually said to O’Donnell: “You’re horrible people…you’re a disgrace.” He added that he knew she would read those calumnies, even though, he said, it is all false.
O’Donnell appeared really shaken. Was she surprised by Trump’s resentment and aggression? Why?
O’Donnell said the press corps really appreciated his insistence on holding the White House Press Corps event regardless, seeking to repair their relationship. It failed, if that was her intent.
Asked a number of things, including whether he knew if he were the target, and he didn’t…was the First Lady scared, he said yes, after a fashion. He flatters Melania’s courage and dignity. He acted as if there had been no stress between him and O’Donnell.
What was happening when the assailant acted, O’Donnell asked sheepishly. And Trump went through his movements and complimented security lavishly and believably.
Not much, if any, new information emerged.
A major discomfiting interview, but perhaps historic.
Trump, for better or worse, is unembarrassable.
But why would CBS and O’Donnell have put this interview on, except to make Trump look bad?
And why would they not anticipate his willingness to confront them?
Bad decision. I think a different decision would have been made under Bill Owens.
Richard E. Vatz https://wp.towson.edu/vatz/ is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of political rhetoric at Towson University and author of The Only Authentic of Persuasion: the Agenda-Spin Model (Bookwrights House, 2024) and over 200 other works, essays, lectures, and op-eds. He is the benefactor of the Richard E. Vatz Best Debater Award at Towson. The Van Bokkelen Auditorium at Towson University has been named after him.