Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has dismissed the idea of routinely wearing a bulletproof vest despite multiple reported assassination attempts, offering a mix of humor and defiance in his explanation.
During an Oval Office event on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Trump was asked whether there were discussions about him potentially wearing protective body armor moving forward. He responded with a quip that drew laughter from those present.
“I don’t know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier,” Trump said. He added that wearing a vest would be like gaining “20 to 25 pounds,” joking that some of the “physical specimens” around him might pull it off better than he would.
The president acknowledged that bulletproof vests are effective, praising a Secret Service officer who was shot during a recent incident but survived thanks to his vest. “Frankly, the vest did an amazing job because it took a bullet close up,” Trump noted, adding that the officer “didn’t even want to go to the hospital.”
Beyond the humorous remark, Trump expressed reluctance for a deeper reason. “I’ve been asked about that, and I guess it’s something you consider,” he said. “In one way, you don’t like to do it because you’re giving in to a bad element.”
The comments come days after what authorities described as the third assassination attempt against Trump. On April 25–26, during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton, a gunman attempted to breach security while armed with a long gun and other weapons. A Secret Service officer was injured in the confrontation but protected by body armor.
Trump also addressed his mindset toward ongoing threats, saying he chooses not to dwell on them. “I don’t think about it,” he stated. “If I did, I wouldn’t be doing a very good job here. I’d be thinking about nothing but that… If I did, I wouldn’t be effective.”
The president’s remarks reflect his continued preference for maintaining a normal public presence despite heightened security concerns. While he has not entirely ruled out wearing protective gear, his comments suggest it remains unlikely for everyday appearances.
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