Trump Says He “Wouldn’t Mind” If Someone Shot Through the Press to Get to Him

On the final weekend before the U.S. presidential election, former President Donald Trump once again ignited controversy with his rhetoric about the media, stating that he “wouldn’t mind” if an assassin had to shoot through the press to reach him. The comments, made during a campaign rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania, underscored Trump’s deep-seated animosity toward the news media, which he repeatedly labeled as “fake news” throughout his speech.

Trump Questions Bulletproof Glass Setup at Pennsylvania Rally

Speaking to supporters in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Trump brought attention to the bulletproof glass surrounding him at the rally. During his 90-minute speech, he pointed out visible gaps in the protective setup, noting that some of the media members covering the event had a clear view of him through those gaps.

Trump then made the comment that sparked further controversy: “To get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news, and I don’t mind that so much.” While he didn’t directly call for violence against the press, his remarks highlighted his often-hostile relationship with the media, which he has frequently accused of being dishonest and corrupt.

Past Incidents Heighten Concerns About Trump’s Security

Trump’s remark comes after a challenging year for the former president in terms of security. Trump has faced two assassination attempts during this campaign cycle alone. In July, a gunman reportedly targeted him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing his ear with a bullet. Such incidents have naturally intensified the need for increased security measures at his events.

Given these threats, the gaps in the protective glass were a point of concern for Trump, yet he seemed to use the opportunity to attack the media. Trump’s statement has fueled discussions about the responsibilities public figures have in promoting or discouraging aggressive rhetoric toward the press, especially considering his history of tense exchanges with journalists.

The Trump Campaign Responds to Backlash Over “Fake News” Remarks

Following the backlash over his comments, Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, issued a clarification. Cheung’s statement emphasized that Trump’s remarks were about potential threats to his own safety and did not suggest any harm toward the press. “The president’s statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the media being harmed, or anything else,” Cheung said. “It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats.”

According to a source familiar with the internal dynamics of Trump’s campaign, the comment about shooting through the media was not a pre-planned line. The source explained that Trump often makes off-the-cuff remarks at rallies, which are not part of the official campaign messaging. In this instance, Trump personally requested that Cheung issue the statement, underscoring his intention to address the controversy while maintaining his stance against what he calls “fake news.”

A History of Tension Between Trump and the News Media

Trump’s tumultuous relationship with the media is well-documented. Since his first presidential campaign in 2015, he has frequently criticized major news outlets, labeling them as purveyors of “fake news” and accusing them of spreading misinformation. At the Pennsylvania rally, Trump continued this pattern, gesturing at TV cameras from networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS, which he called “seriously corrupt” in his speech.

Throughout his campaign and presidency, Trump has leveraged this antagonistic stance to rally his supporters, many of whom share his distrust of mainstream news organizations. His rallies are often punctuated with chants of “fake news” directed at the journalists present, with Trump encouraging these chants as a way to build rapport with his base.

Escalating Rhetoric: Trump’s Comments on Critics and Political Rivals

The controversial remark in Lititz wasn’t the first time Trump’s statements this election cycle have attracted scrutiny. In the weeks leading up to the election, Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, with comments that many see as aggressive or even threatening. Recently, he suggested that former Republican congresswoman and critic Liz Cheney, who has spoken out against Trump, should “face gunfire in combat” in a hypothetical scenario. Cheney’s sharp criticism of Trump, especially in relation to the events of January 6, has made her a target of his ire, and his comments have raised concerns about inciting violence against political opponents.

On Friday, Arizona’s top prosecutor opened an investigation into Trump’s statements about Cheney, reflecting growing unease about the former president’s increasingly unfiltered language. Critics argue that Trump’s words can create a dangerous climate, where hostility toward journalists and political rivals becomes normalized among his supporters.

Media Reaction to Trump’s Comments: Mixed Reactions and Growing Concern

Unsurprisingly, Trump’s latest comments about shooting through the media have drawn reactions from journalists and media organizations alike. Many view his words as inflammatory and irresponsible, especially considering the heightened political tensions in the United States. While Trump has claimed that his statements are misinterpreted or exaggerated by the media, the ongoing hostility between him and the press remains a point of contention as the election approaches.

Some media advocates argue that Trump’s frequent criticism of the press, coupled with comments that appear to condone aggression, could have real-world consequences. At a time when journalists already face increased hostility, especially those covering polarizing political events, such remarks could embolden individuals to act on their anger toward the media. Trump’s words may be viewed by some as harmless rhetoric, but others see them as stoking resentment and distrust toward the press.

Trump’s Messaging Strategy: Balancing Loyalty and Controversy

Trump’s populist messaging strategy has always thrived on his “us vs. them” narrative, where he positions himself and his supporters against perceived establishment entities, including the media. This strategy, which has remained central to his rallies, is designed to reinforce the loyalty of his base by framing the media as adversaries who distort the truth to undermine him and his movement.

By emphasizing his distrust of the media, Trump taps into sentiments shared by many of his supporters, who feel that traditional news outlets fail to fairly represent their views. While this approach has undoubtedly galvanized his base, it also polarizes the broader electorate and raises concerns about the erosion of trust in journalism.

Looking Ahead: Trump’s Final Campaign Push and Media Relations

As Trump’s campaign for the presidency nears its conclusion, his rhetoric about the press continues to be both a rallying cry for supporters and a lightning rod for criticism. The former president has long used his platform to highlight what he perceives as media bias, and his willingness to make provocative statements underscores the unfiltered style that has defined his public persona. For Trump’s supporters, his message resonates as a stand against a media establishment they view as biased. For critics, however, his words continue to blur the line between political expression and dangerous rhetoric.

Whether intentional or not, Trump’s statement about shooting through the press has sparked another round of debate about the influence and responsibility of public figures in shaping perceptions of the media. With the election just days away, all eyes are on Trump’s final campaign efforts and his approach to messaging—a strategy that consistently courts controversy and loyalty in equal measure.