Story perspectives

Poll: 54% Doubt Trump Assassination Attempts, Democrats Lead Skepticism

5/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A poll of 1,000 Americans conducted April 28-May 4 found 54 % doubt or are unsure about the authenticity of the three alleged assassination attempts on President Donald Trump.
Democrats were far more likely than Republicans to say the attacks were staged.
White House officials rejected the poll’s conclusions as unfounded.
Commentators said the results show growing public distrust and rising conspiratorial thinking, especially among left-leaning respondents.

History

Historical Context

The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the 1966 Gallup poll showing 61% of Americans doubting the Warren Commission sparked a lasting culture of conspiracy around political killings. A 2024 poll finds 54% doubt alleged Trump assassination attempts, echoing that 86% of U.S. assassins have been men and 40% were motivated to “save the world,” underscoring persistent mistrust.

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Story summary

A poll of 1,000 Americans conducted April 28-May 4 found 54 % doubt or are unsure about the authenticity of the three alleged assassination attempts on President Donald Trump.
Democrats were far more likely than Republicans to say the attacks were staged.
White House officials rejected the poll’s conclusions as unfounded.
Commentators said the results show growing public distrust and rising conspiratorial thinking, especially among left-leaning respondents.

1 / 2