US President Donald Trump adopted a reflective tone on Saturday following a security scare at a media gala in Washington, where a gunman reportedly attempted to disrupt proceedings, marking the latest in a string of threats against the Republican leader.
The incident occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting questions from reporters about the repeated attempts targeting him. Responding to one such query, Trump linked the attacks to his perceived impact as a political figure.
“Well, you know, I’ve studied assassinations,” Trump said. “And I must tell you the most impactful people, the people that do the most — you take a look at Abraham Lincoln… the people that make the biggest impact, they’re the ones that they go after.”
Reflecting further, the president suggested that his policies and actions had stirred strong reactions.
“I hate to say I’m honoured by that, but I’ve done a lot,” Trump added. “We’ve changed this country, and there are a lot of people that are not happy about that. So I think that’s the answer.”
Trump, who had previously survived an assassination attempt during a 2024 election rally, acknowledged the risks associated with his position but maintained that he continues to live relatively normally.
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“I lead a pretty normal life, considering, you know, it’s a dangerous life.”
“A lot of other people, you know, you read stories where they become basket cases. To be honest, I’m not a basket case.”
Despite his past criticisms of the media, including referring to it as the “enemy of the people,” Trump struck a more conciliatory tone, noting a sense of unity following the incident. He said he had initially planned to deliver a controversial speech at the event but would instead adopt a calmer approach when it is rescheduled.
The president also used the opportunity to highlight security concerns at the Washington Hilton, where the dinner was held, arguing that the venue was insufficiently secure. He pointed to this as justification for the construction of a proposed $400 million ballroom at the White House, a project he has repeatedly promoted.
Trump attributed the disruption to what he described as a “would-be assassin,” underscoring ongoing concerns about his safety amid repeated threats.