Assassination Attempts Against Trump Backfire by Strengthening His Political Position
Source: Ian Prasad Philbrick. "Trump’s attempted assassin just did the opposite of what he intended.." April 27, 2026. slate.com
The Gist
The author argues that trying to assassinate Trump is not only morally wrong but also politically stupid because it backfires. Every time someone tries to kill Trump, his popularity goes up, the media treats him better, and his opponents have to stop criticizing him as harshly.
Conclusion
Assassination attempts against Donald Trump are counterproductive to opponents' goals because they actually strengthen his political position and advance his agenda
Premises
- Historical data shows Trump's favorability ratings consistently rose after previous assassination attempts in 2024
- Assassination attempts generate sympathy and rally support from both allies and former critics
- Failed assassination attempts provide Trump with political cover to advance controversial policies and justify security measures
- Media coverage becomes more favorable and less critical of Trump following assassination attempts
- Opposition Democrats are forced to tone down their criticism and attacks after such incidents
- Assassination attempts fuel conspiracy theories that further distort political discourse
- Historical precedent shows other presidents like Reagan and Johnson received political boosts from surviving assassination attempts
Assumptions
- Political violence is always wrong and counterproductive in a democracy
- Public opinion can be measured reliably through polling data
- Historical patterns of political response to assassination attempts will continue
- Media and political opponents' responses are predictable and follow established patterns
- Trump's political opponents genuinely want to weaken his position rather than strengthen it