A new poll reveals deep skepticism among Americans about the authenticity of assassination attempts on President Donald Trump, with only 38% believing all three incidents were genuine and 30% suspecting at least one was staged.
The survey, conducted by NewsGuard in partnership with YouGov and released Monday, highlights widespread doubt and uncertainty surrounding the three attempts on Trump's life over the past two years. It comes amid ongoing conspiracy theories spreading online, even as authorities have pursued legal cases against suspects.
Key Findings from the Poll
- 30% of Americans believe at least one of the attempts was staged.
- Just 38% say all three were real attempts.
For each incident individually, a plurality of roughly 45% described it as a "real attempt," while majorities combined those who called it staged or said they were "not sure."
The most recent attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026 drew particular skepticism: 24% of Americans (about 1 in 4) believe it was staged.
The poll referenced three documented attempts:
- The July 2024 shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
- The September 2024 foiled plot at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
- The April 25, 2026, incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington.
In the most recent incident suspect Cole Allen, 31, of California, allegedly fired at a Secret Service agent (who was protected by a vest) before his arrest. Trump and others were evacuated safely. Allen has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted assassination.
No credible evidence has emerged to support claims that any of the attempts were staged, according to law enforcement and multiple investigations.
This skepticism persists despite official accounts, arrests, and court proceedings. Experts link the doubts to broader trends of declining trust in institutions, amplified by social media and polarized politics.