Trump Highlights Life-Threatening Risks of Presidency and Reflects on Personal Danger

On June 27, 2025, during a press conference at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the life-threatening challenges associated with the presidency. He conveyed that had he been fully aware of these dangers, he might not have run for office. Trump recalled an incident from July 2024, where he was grazed by a bullet during a campaign event in Pennsylvania, noting that he sometimes still experiences pain in his ear from the incident. He emphasized that the risk of being President is significantly higher compared to other hazardous occupations, stating, "The mortality rate for a President is about 5%, while for race car drivers and bull riders it is only 0.1%." Trump mentioned the historical context, referencing the four U.S. Presidents who have been assassinated among the ten that faced assassination attempts, highlighting the enduring peril of the role. He pointed out that in the wake of political violence escalating since the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, over 300 politically motivated violent incidents have occurred. This underscores the current increasing volatility in American political life, described as the longest period of sustained political violence since the 1970s. Trump's commentary sheds light on the broader implications of political threats in the U.S. and brings attention to ongoing security concerns surrounding presidential candidates.