Trump admits vanity influenced decision to wear bullet-resistant garment

US President Donald Trump expressed reluctance to wear a bulletproof vest on Thursday, citing concerns that it would add 20 pounds to his appearance, which he felt he could not handle.

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When questioned by reporters about discussions regarding the potential use of a protective vest, Trump stated, "I don't know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier," highlighting his apprehension about the perceived weight gain.

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Reports from US media outlets suggested that the consideration of a bulletproof vest followed the latest alleged assassination attempt at a Washington gala on Saturday, where a man attempted to kill the 79-year-old president.

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Trump acknowledged that he had been approached about the idea, saying, "I've been asked about that. I guess it's something you consider," while also expressing his reluctance to give in to perceived threats.

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The alleged assassination attempt on Saturday occurred at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, held at the Washington Hilton hotel, where Secret Service agents intervened before the assailant could reach the ballroom.

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This incident marked the third alleged attempt on Trump's life within a two-year period, with the most severe being an incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024, where the president was wounded in the ear by a gunman and one audience member was killed.

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Trump, a former reality TV star, is known to be particularly sensitive about his appearance, with his weight being a concern, although he has lost weight since his first term, weighing 224 pounds as of his last full annual medical in April 2025.

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At the time of his last medical checkup, Trump's weight was recorded at 101.6 kilograms, down from 243 pounds in 2019, with the president being a self-confessed fan of fast food.