White House blames anti-Trump rhetoric for political violence after WHCD shooting

WASHINGTON, DC: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday, April 27, said political rhetoric directed at President Donald Trump has contributed to violence against him, days after a shooting disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington.

Speaking at the White House briefing, Leavitt linked the incident to what she described as years of “systemic demonization” of Trump by political opponents and media commentators.

Her remarks came as investigators continue examining the motive of the suspect accused of attempting to breach security at the annual event, where Trump and senior administration officials were in attendance.

Leavitt links rhetoric to violence against Trump

Leavitt used the briefing to condemn what she described as a pattern of hostile rhetoric directed at Trump over the past decade, arguing it has helped normalize violence against the president and his supporters. 

“This political violence stems from a systemic demonization of him and his supporters by commentators... even some in the media,” Leavitt said.

She added that repeated characterizations of Trump by critics had contributed to the current political climate. 

“This hateful and constant and violent rhetoric directed at President Trump day after day after day for 11 years, has helped to legitimize this violence and bring us to this dark moment,” she said.

Leavitt also referenced comments made by comedian Jimmy Kimmel about First Lady Melania Trump during a recent monologue, echoing criticism the first lady had made earlier in the day.

Kimmel had referred to Melania Trump as “an expectant widow” during a satirical segment aired two days before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Leavitt said the remark reflected a broader issue in public discourse.

“For example, as the first lady of the United States pointed out this morning, just two days prior to the shooting, ABC’s late-night host Jimmy Kimmel disgustingly called first lady Melania Trump ‘an expectant widow," she said.

She also praised Trump’s conduct during the incident, describing his response as calm and composed while security personnel moved him and other officials to safety. 

“The President’s calm in the face of chaos, while yet another individual was trying to take his life, was really remarkable to witness,” Leavitt said.

White House discusses Iran proposal as probes continue

Alongside addressing the shooting, Leavitt confirmed Trump and his national security team reviewed a proposal from Iran connected to ending the more than two-month conflict involving US and Iranian forces.

The proposal reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for delaying negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Leavitt said discussions were underway but stopped short of saying the administration was actively considering the offer. “I wouldn’t say they’re considering it, just that they’ve been discussing it this morning,” Leavitt told reporters.

She added that Trump is expected to make a public statement on the matter “very soon.”

Leavitt also addressed online conspiracy theories surrounding the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, rejecting claims that the incident had been staged.

She said the administration was focused on ensuring facts were released quickly to counter misinformation. “It’s very important to us that we get the truth and the facts about this case and any case out there as quickly as possible,” she said.