Featured Image Credit: Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, US News
Greg Harris
Donald Trump says he won’t wear a bulletproof vest, even after three assassination attempts, and he’s now explaining why.
On 13 July, 2024, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Trump, who was the Republican presidential candidate at the time, was struck in the ear and rushed to safety. The shooter was killed.
Another incident took place on 15 September, 2024 at Trump's Florida golf club. A man was arrested after allegedly positioning himself with a firearm near the course perimeter. The suspect was later identified and charged in connection with what the FBI described as a planned attack.
The most recent incident happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on 25 April, 2026 when a man opened fire. Trump was rushed out of the room during the incident.
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The suspect has been charged with one count of attempting to assassinate the President of the United States, transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
You may think wearing a bulletproof vest is the next step for Trump, however he has revealed his stance and why he decided against wearing one.
While speaking to the press during an Oval Office signing ceremony on Thursday (30 April), a White House correspondent for NewsNation asked whether there were any discussions about him ‘potentially wearing a bullet-proof vest moving forward’.
Trump quipped: “I don’t know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier.”
People in the room laughed at the remark.
“If you want to gain 20 to 25 pounds, get a West vest,” the president continued.
Following the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Trump credited a Secret Service agent’s bulletproof vest with saving his life.
Trump spoke at a press conference shortly after the incident on Saturday night about the identity of the alleged shooter and confirmed that a Secret Service agent was injured.
“One officer was shot but saved by the fact that he was wearing, obviously, a very good, bulletproof vest,” said Trump. “He was shot from a very close distance with a very powerful gun.”
Trump said the unidentified officer was on the road to recovery, thanks to the vest.
“The vest did the job … He's doing great," said Trump. "He's in great shape, he's in very high spirits and we told him we love him and respect him. He's a very proud guy, proud of what he does, a Secret Service agent."