Story perspectives

Trump Blames Dems, Announces Ballroom After Dinner Shooting

4/29/2026

Center

Trump Blames Democrats

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and White House officials blamed Democrats and news media for violence tied to dinner shooting.
Gunman Cole Tomas Allen opened fire at White House Correspondents' dinner and faces attempted assassination charge against President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump first urged unity and later blamed Democratic rhetoric for encouraging the violence.
Administration announced a new White House ballroom and Speaker Mike Johnson will seek authorizing legislation.

Left

Trump Survives Shooting

CSIS data show anti-government violence hit a 30-year high in 2025, with left-wing extremists outpacing right-wing groups after two decades.
U.S. President Donald Trump survived White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting in Washington, first calling for unity then blaming Democratic rhetoric.
Researchers cite partisan polarization and moral framing of opponents as evil driving the violence surge.
Lawmakers approved use of campaign funds for officials’ personal security, highlighting growing threat concerns.

History

Historical Context

On February 22, 1972, Samuel Byck tried to hijack a Delta flight from Baltimore to crash into the White House, killing himself after a police standoff. The incident, together with the Watergate scandal of 1972-74, spurred federal security reforms that later shaped responses to modern attacks such as the recent White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting aimed at President Donald Trump.

1 of 3

Trump Blames Democrats

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and White House officials blamed Democrats and news media for violence tied to dinner shooting.
Gunman Cole Tomas Allen opened fire at White House Correspondents' dinner and faces attempted assassination charge against President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump first urged unity and later blamed Democratic rhetoric for encouraging the violence.
Administration announced a new White House ballroom and Speaker Mike Johnson will seek authorizing legislation.

1 / 3