President Says Consequential Leaders Face Greater Threats as Security Concerns Intensify Following Recent Incidents Near the White House
WASHINGTON—During a Cabinet meeting on May 27, President Donald Trump described the presidency as a dangerous role, saying that leaders who have a significant impact often face serious threats to their safety.
“It’s a sad part of life, it’s a dangerous business,” Trump said in response to a question from NTD, the sister media outlet of The Epoch Times. “What I’m doing is a dangerous business.”
The president made the remarks while addressing questions about a shooting near the White House on Saturday, nearly a month after what he described as the third assassination attempt against him during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton.
“When you are a consequential president, your life is in grave danger. I knew that,” Trump said.
On May 23, a gunman opened fire on Secret Service agents near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Agents returned fire, killing the suspect. A bystander was also struck and remains in serious condition.
Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. No Secret Service personnel were injured.
When asked how he handles the ongoing threats, Trump said he avoids dwelling on the risks.
“Well, I can’t think about it, because if I thought about it a lot, you know, I wouldn’t be a very good president,” he said with a joke.
Trump also said that he and his Cabinet have assembled what he called “the most consequential administration” in American history.
“They say if you’re not consequential, you don’t have so many problems,” he said. “If you are consequential, you do.”
Following the shooting, Trump posted a message on Truth Social thanking Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers for their “swift and professional action.”
He said the suspect had a history of violence and a “possible obsession” with the White House. Trump added that the incident highlighted the importance of his proposed new White House ballroom project.
“The National Security of our Country demands it!” he wrote.
Funding for Secret Service security enhancements related to the project and the broader White House complex remains under review and is currently being negotiated in Congress.
On April 25, during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an alleged gunman identified as Cole Allen reportedly breached a security checkpoint near the Washington Hilton ballroom and shot a Secret Service agent. Trump, members of his administration, and hundreds of guests—including staff members from The Epoch Times—were inside the ballroom when the shots were fired.
Allen is facing four federal charges, including attempted assassination of the president, assaulting a United States officer with a deadly weapon, and two firearms-related offenses.
During the Cabinet meeting, Trump also highlighted his efforts to strengthen security in Washington, including his decision to deploy the National Guard to the nation’s capital.
He said he would like the troops to remain in the city.
“They look great,” Trump said.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth added that a “surge” of National Guard personnel is expected in Washington this summer.
