04.05.2026 15:02
Following the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, security measures have become a topic of debate again, while the question of a 'bulletproof vest' directed at US President Donald Trump drew attention. Trump addressed the issue with humor in his assessment of possible precautions, making headlines with his response. Trump said, 'I don't know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier.'
U.S. President Donald Trump gave a humorous response to a question about security measures that came to the agenda after the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner.
“I WOULDN'T WANT TO LOOK 20 POUNDS HEAVIER”
Trump responded to a question about whether he would wear a bulletproof vest by saying, “I don't know if I can stand looking 20 pounds (9 kilograms) heavier.”
Addressing the security measures, Trump said cautiously, “You don't like to do that because you are conceding to a bad element.”
The U.S. President answered the question as follows: "Can I handle looking 10 kilos heavier? Secret Service agents, these guys look very fit. Some are real physical specimens, some are like American football players. I wouldn't want to stand next to him... If you want to look 10-12 kilos heavier, you wear that vest. And honestly, that vest did a great job because it took a bullet at close range. He (the agent) didn't even want to go to the hospital. We sent him to the hospital just in case, but he didn't want to go. You know, he still took a hit. But the vest protected him completely. There was still a huge force behind that shot; it was like taking a punch from Mike Tyson. But it was incredible."
“YOU DON'T LIKE TO DO THAT”
I was asked about this (the vest issue), and I think it is something to consider. On one hand, you don't want to do it because it feels like you are surrendering to a bad element. So, I don't know, but we will evaluate it.
LAUGHTER ROSE IN THE HALL
Trump's words were met with laughter by the guests in the hall.
The statement stood out as one of the first assessments made after the assassination attempt.