'Clear allergy to facts': Jennifer Newsom accuses Trump of misogyny after '60 Minutes' interview

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Siebel Newsom criticized Donald Trump over his recent interview on 60 Minutes, accusing him of showing “contempt” toward a female journalist and contributing to a broader culture of misogyny. Her remarks followed a tense exchange during the broadcast that has since drawn widespread attention.

The criticism came after Trump clashed with Norah O'Donnell during the interview, where he pushed back against claims read from an alleged shooter’s manifesto. Siebel Newsom later shared her reaction on X, describing the interaction as troubling.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom reacts online

Siebel Newsom took to X on Monday, April 27, to criticize Trump’s remarks and tone during the interview, saying she watched the exchange with her family.

“My family and I watched the 60 Minutes interview with Donald Trump and Norah O’Donnell last night, and we were shocked,” she wrote. “Seeing a president speak to a woman journalist with that level of contempt — and a clear allergy to facts — is disturbing, though at this point not unexpected given his pattern of behavior.”

“But that is the problem. Because when that level of disrespect from the highest office in the country repeats itself, it starts to trickle down into our culture and define what power looks like, shaping how boys and plenty of men see women and girls and what they come to accept as normal behavior,” she added.

Siebel Newsom argued that such behavior from a sitting president risks shaping broader societal attitudes and normalizing disrespect toward women.

Trump clashes with journalist

During the “60 Minutes” interview that aired on April 26, Trump interrupted O’Donnell after she read excerpts from a manifesto that described administration officials as “targets” and included accusations against him.

“I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would … you’re horrible people,” Trump said, before turning directly to O’Donnell. “I’m not any of those things … You should be ashamed of yourself reading that. You shouldn’t be reading that on ‘60 Minutes.’ You’re a disgrace, but, go ahead, let’s finish the interview.”

Links rhetoric to wider issue

Jennifer Siebel Newsom further went on to connect the incident to political division and online discourse, amplifying harmful narratives.

“Add in rhetoric rooted in political division, amplified by a digital ecosystem that rewards outrage and misinformation, and this cultural norm of hate, othering, and misogyny becomes pervasive,” Newsom continued. “Behavior that should be challenged gets normalized; what should raise concern is amplified and cheered on.

“It’s no wonder we have a culture that normalizes dominance and aggression toward women and girls, which not only silences them but also leads to internalized misogyny in others,” she added. “Thank you to Norah, all of the female journalists, and frankly to all of YOU who continue to be brave and speak truth to power.”