Chuck Todd mocked for saying he feels unsafe attending Trump events

WASHINGTON, DC: Former NBC News anchor Chuck Todd is facing intense backlash after declaring he would avoid events involving President Donald Trump, saying he no longer feels safe in those environments.

Todd’s comments came in the wake of a shocking incident at the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) Dinner on Saturday, where a gunman allegedly attempted to target top Trump administration officials.

The suspect reportedly rushed a security checkpoint at the hotel venue and opened fire, later telling authorities his intent was to go after senior officials.

Chuck Todd links safety concerns to Donald Trump’s presence

Speaking during a podcast with former CNN pundit Chris Cillizza, Todd made it clear he plans to stay away from similar events moving forward.

“I'm not going to any more events where Trump’s at. I don't feel safe…. If you decide to go into his orbit, you have become less safe,” he said.

Todd went further, suggesting that Trump prioritizes his own safety above others and may not protect those around him in dangerous situations.

He argued that the president is “always going to protect himself first” and implied that allies could be left exposed if things go wrong.

The remarks quickly sparked a wave of reactions online, with critics from different political viewpoints aiming at what they saw as misplaced blame.

Many pointed out that the WHCA Dinner itself had extensive security measures in place, raising questions about Todd’s characterization of the event as unsafe.

Critics slam Chuck Todd’s remarks as ‘wrong’ and ‘stupid’

CBS News correspondent Jan Crawford was among the most vocal critics. Responding directly, she said, “This is not only wrong but stupid.”

Crawford pushed back by highlighting how unpredictable public violence can be, noting that danger exists in everyday settings.

“I was literally talking about this with one of my daughters this morning. She pointed out how anyone can walk into a wedding or concert or mall and start shooting. We actually were in a safe space at WHCD,” she said.

She added that the venue had significant protection, saying, “We were in a completely secure ballroom protected by layers of Secret Service. Most people don’t get that protection from mentally disturbed assailants.”

Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey also questioned Todd’s stance in a post shared by WHCA president Weijia Jiang, asking, “So... you don't cover any of the events, including the president? What?”

Social media backlash intensifies across political spectrum

The criticism didn’t stop there. Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet accused Todd of indirectly acknowledging threats against Trump supporters while still blaming the president.

“Here's Chuck Todd admitting that too many deranged leftists want to try and assassinate President Trump, so he doesn't feel safe being around the president anymore,” Kolvet wrote, adding that Todd still managed to score “liberal bonus points” by blaming Trump.

Podcaster Tim Pool echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “Chuck Todd is right about one thing You Are NOT Safe around Donald Trump Leftist whackos want him dead and there have been 3 assassination attempts against him as well as threats and plots How he then tries to make it Trump's fault however is hilarious.”

Heritage Foundation media fellow Tim Young accused Todd of contributing to the very climate he fears.

He said the journalist was “parroting leftist talking points” while being “too afraid to be around the potential results of said talking points.”

Attorney David Limbaugh also reacted strongly, writing, “This takes the cake. Chuck Todd is blaming Trump for making him less safe and feel less safe when he attends events where Trump is present. I have seen blame shifting in my day, but this is beyond belief.”

Author Salena Zito offered a more personal perspective, recalling her own experiences in dangerous situations. “I've been in the line of fire. Literally. Three weeks after he was shot his first event was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I was right there. In Johnstown same thing & again when he went back to Butler. You do your job. You just do your job. That's what we do,” she said.

WHCA dinner suspect faces serious charges

Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to pursue the case tied to the WHCA Dinner shooting. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, is facing multiple charges.

According to officials, Allen has been charged with attempting to assassinate the President of the United States, transporting a firearm across state lines, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Department of Justice officials said on Monday that additional charges are expected, and he could face life imprisonment if convicted.

Todd, who stepped down as moderator of 'Meet the Press' in 2023 and left NBC in 2025, has not publicly responded to the backlash.

He now hosts a podcast and occasionally appears on cable news, but his latest remarks have clearly struck a nerve across the political and media landscape.