While sitting down to chat with reporters in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump was asked about future changes to security protocol following the third assassination attempt on his life that occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026. One of the measures a reporter asked about was the potential for the president to don a bulletproof vest.
With his trademark wit and humor, Trump responded, “I don’t know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier. Some of these guys are physical specimens…No, well, if you want to gain 20 to 25 pounds.” The president then flipped the topic of conversation to the Secret Service agents who was shot by Cole Tomas Allen during the incident.
“Frankly, the vest did an amazing job because it took a bullet close up,” Trump went on to say. “He didn’t even want to go to the hospital. I mean, we sent him to the hospital just in case. … It’s still a hit, but he didn’t want to go to the hospital.” The president added, “The vest totally protected him. Still a lot of power behind that shot, though. That’s like getting hit by Mike Tyson.”
According to a report from Fox News, the president revealed that he has been asked about wearing a bulletproof vest before, adding that it is something to consider. However, Trump also stated that he doesn’t like to think about wearing one because he would be giving into a “bad element.” A reporter then asked him if he was concerned about another assassination attempt.
“I don’t think about it,” Trump replied. “And if I did, I wouldn’t be doing a very good job here. I’d be thinking about nothing but that. I don’t think about it. I really don’t think about it. If I did, I wouldn’t be effective.” Over the last several years, the president has survived multiple attempts on his life, including incidents at public events, which has prompted heightened security concerns and in-depth reviews of Secret Service protocols.
During the most recent attack, Allen, 31, rushed through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton Hotel, immediately opening fire on a Secret Service agent. He was soon apprehended by authorities, who discovered he was armed with a shotgun, a pistol, and several knives. Allen is now facing serious charges, including one count of attempting to assassinate the President of the United States, transportation of a firearm & ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, then-candidate Donald Trump was hit by a bullet in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He was back up on his feet within seconds, pumping his fist and encouraging the crowd to “fight, fight, fight!” The line was in regards to fighting for the country and principles that the nation is built upon.
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Commenters shared their thoughts about the president’s answer about wearing a bulletproof vest, with one user wittily stating, “They could call it an anti-Democrat vest.” Some saw things a bit differently than the president, believing he should start wearing the vest, with one user writing, “I think it’s vest up time. And increase security protocols.”
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video