President Donald Trump avoided addressing questions about Melania’s response to the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. During an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, April 26, the US president discussed the previous night’s incident when a gunman entered the Washington Hilton.

When asked about Melania’s reaction, Trump acknowledged her “rather traumatic experience” but maintained a guarded stance. Reflecting on the events, Trump mentioned that anyone would feel scared in such a situation. He noted Melania’s awareness of the seriousness of the situation, describing it as more than just a minor incident.

Recalling the moment, Trump observed that Melania appeared distressed after the shooting. The incident occurred while guests were at the dinner, with Trump and Melania seen conversing with Karoline Leavitt and CBS’s Weijia Jiang before shots were fired. Trump and JD Vance were quickly escorted away from the stage, and the president later showed footage of the gunman’s confrontation with security.

During a press briefing, Trump commended Melania for her composed demeanor during the crisis, acknowledging the swift response from authorities. He highlighted Melania’s prompt recognition of the gunshot, contrasting his initial assumption that it was a harmless noise.

Following the security response, the event resumed around 9 pm after an hour-long lockdown. The gunman, identified as 31-year-old California teacher Cole Allen, was apprehended and charged with firearm use during a violent crime and assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.