Former President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he plans to continue hosting outdoor rallies after surviving an assassination attempt just two weeks ago. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated “I WILL CONTINUE TO DO OUTDOOR RALLIES, AND SECRET SERVICE HAS AGREED TO SUBSTANTIALLY STEP UP THEIR OPERATION. THEY ARE VERY CAPABLE OF DOING SO.
This announcement follows the Secret Service reportedly urging him not to continue outdoor rallies in light of concerns about his safety. The Washington Post reported that Secret Service agents communicated these concerns to Trump campaign advisers, who informed them that they were planning to host large events regularly and would require increasing amounts of protection and resources. However, requests for more assets from Trump’s detail were allegedly denied by the Secret Service on several occasions.
A day after the assassination attempt, the Secret Service issued a statement claiming that it had never denied prior requests for more assets – a claim they later walked back. Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned last week under pressure from both Republicans and Democrats due to her inability or unwillingness to provide answers to questions posed by the House Oversight Committee.
On Friday, Trump announced he would return to Butler, Pennsylvania, where the assassination attempt occurred, to honor firefighter Corey Comperatore, who lost his life in the incident, as well as two others who were injured. I WILL BE GOING BACK TO BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA, FOR A BIG AND BEAUTIFUL RALLY, HONORING THE SOUL OF OUR BELOVED FIREFIGHTING HERO, COREY, AND THOSE BRAVE PATRIOTS INJURED TWO WEEKS AGO. WHAT A DAY IT WILL BE — FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT! STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump’s decision to continue outdoor rallies highlights his commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the political arena and fostering connections with his supporters. Despite concerns about safety, it is evident that the former president is determined to ensure that his voice and message are heard by the American people.