Why Trump doesn’t wear a bulletproof vest despite assassination attempts

WorldPolitics
1 May 2026 • 4:29 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why Trump doesn’t wear a bulletproof vest despite assassination attempts

  • US President Donald Trump was asked Thursday why he doesn’t wear a bulletproof vest despite being targeted in multiple assassination attempts.
  • A reporter was inquiring about any planned security changes after Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ dinner and asked if there was any talk of him wearing a bulletproof vest moving forward.
  • "I don't know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier," Trump replied, sparking laughter in the Oval Office where he was taking questions after signing executive orders.
  • He went on to say, "I guess it's something you consider. In one way, you don't like to do it because you're giving in to a bad element. I don't know. But I have been asked about it."
  • Trump also said that he “doesn’t think” about assassination attempts despite regular threats against his life, saying, “If I did, I wouldn't be effective."

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