News of a shooting targeting President Donald Trump drew rare, unified condemnation of violence from U.S. political leaders and major world heads of government.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican who was at the scene, thanked law enforcement and emergency responders for moving quickly to bring the situation under control and said he was praying for the country. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also a Republican, said violence “can never be tolerated” in the United States.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X that he appreciated law enforcement’s swift response to protect people from the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, adding that violence and chaos in the United States “must end.” California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has traded barbs with Trump, said he was relieved everyone at the dinner was safe and that violence is unacceptable.
Leaders of key countries who have sparred with Trump over major issues including tariffs since the launch of his second term last year also sent messages of relief and sympathy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on social media that political violence cannot be tolerated in any democracy and offered condolences to those shaken by the “shocking incident.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was glad Trump and his wife were safe and said violence must never be a means to an end.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung wrote on X on the 26th that he was relieved Trump and his wife, as well as everyone at the scene, were safe, and offered “deep condolences” to the American people. Lee said political violence is a grave threat that undermines the foundations of democracy and can never be justified for any reason, adding that the South Korean government firmly opposes all forms of violence and extremism that damage democracy and the rule of law. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also wrote on social media that she was glad Trump was safe despite the “terrible shooting,” and said violence can never be tolerated anywhere in the world.
Foreign media also focused on what they described as repeated assassination attempts against Trump dating back to his presidential campaign. Bloomberg called the shooting the latest example of political violence that has “engulfed” the United States, citing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence. Bloomberg also noted that during a 2024 campaign stop in Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, and said he has previously been a target of assassination attempts. Axios, a U.S. online outlet, highlighted an assassination attempt during Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016 and said no modern president has faced such threats.
The New York Times raised questions about security in connection with the repeated attempts. It reported there were no metal detectors at the hotel entrance and that the security perimeter was set closer to the stage, urging steps to strengthen protective measures.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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