Trump rejects bulletproof vest over appearance fears despite third assassination threat
US President Donald Trump said he refuses to wear a bulletproof vest despite security threats, telling reporters 'I don't know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier' when asked about protection after an alleged assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner over the weekend. The incident marks the third reported threat on Trump's life in two years, following a 2024 Pennsylvania rally shooting where he was injured and an attendee killed. Trump acknowledged security officials discussed the vest option but expressed reluctance, adding 'you don't like to do it because you're giving in to a bad element.' Medical records from April 2025 show Trump weighs 224 pounds (101.6kg), down from 243 pounds in 2019, indicating recent weight loss during his presidency. Authorities charged a suspect in the Hilton hotel incident where Secret Service agents subdued the individual before he reached the ballroom. While Trump's appearance concerns are personal, the situation highlights a tension between leader safety and public image pressures that resonates globally—including in Nigeria where discussions about politician security details versus accessibility often arise. With threats persisting and Trump maintaining his stance, the question becomes: Would you prioritize your leader's actual safety over their perceived appearance, especially when facing credible threats?