US3 min(s) read
Published 10:16 27 Mar 2026 GMT
White House breaks silence after WWE's Jesse Ventura claims Trump's assassination attempt was fake
The White House has fired back after Jesse Ventura made explosive claims suggesting the 2024 assassination attempt against Donald Trump was staged.
Ventura, a former wrestler, politician, and actor known for hosting a show on conspiracy theories, made the remarks during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where he openly questioned the incident and asked, "Where's his scar today?"
The comments quickly drew a sharp response from the White House, which dismissed the claims outright and defended the events that unfolded during the shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
White House issues blunt response
The White House released a statement addressing Ventura's claims and the events of that day, which saw chaos erupt as gunfire broke out during Trump's speech.
The statement reads, via the Daily Express US: “On that tragic day in Butler, Pennsylvania, we tragically lost an American hero, Corey Comperatore, who selflessly laid down his life to protect those around him. President Trump will never forget Corey and his beautiful family.
The spokesperson adds, “On that dark day, God spared President Trump’s life by a miraculous millimeter. President Trump is standing stronger than ever as he continues to ‘fight, fight, fight’ for the American people. Only a fool would believe otherwise.”
Trump was struck in the right ear during the attack when 20-year-old Thomas Crooks discharged eight shots. One spectator was killed while two others were injured.
Ventura's conspiracy claims
When Morgan defended Trump’s reaction to the shooting, Ventura replied: "'Oh yeah, right, right, right. You ever hear of a blade job?"
In wrestling, blading refers to using a small, sharp implement to intentionally cut the skin to produce blood for dramatic effect.
Ventura also pressed further, asking, "I don't know, where's his scar today?" before adding, "Come on, Piers, you're gonna tell me this guy (Trump) is a hero?"
Heated exchange on live TV
Morgan challenged Ventura’s claims during the interview, pointing to Trump’s actions immediately after being shot, when he stood back up and declared, "Fight, fight, fight."
Ventura, however, remained unconvinced and suggested Trump "accomplished what he wanted out of you guys", taking aim at media coverage of the incident.
When asked if he would be willing to speak directly with Trump, Ventura declined and said, "He has no courage. He never has. There's always one guy who will start the fight and then hold your coat. That's Donald Trump."