Poll Finds Majority of Americans See Higher Assassination Risk for Trump After Recent Attacks
A new poll released on May 11 by the Pew Research Center indicates that 58 % of American adults believe former President Donald Trump faces an increased threat of assassination following a recent spate of high‑profile attacks on political figures. The survey, conducted among 2,500 respondents, also revealed that 42 % think the risk is overstated, highlighting a polarized view of the former president’s security situation.
The poll arrives at a time when several incidents—including the stabbing of a U.S. Congressman in Ohio and the shooting of a state governor in Texas—have drawn national attention to political violence. While no direct threats against Trump have been reported in the past month, the heightened climate of hostility has amplified concerns among both supporters and critics.
Pew Research spokesperson Karen Liu told Reuters, “Our data suggests that the perception of risk is strongly correlated with partisan identification; 71 % of Democrats see a higher threat, compared to 34 % of Republicans.” The Jerusalem Post article on the same poll adds that former Secret Service Director Thomas Carroll warned, “Even perceived threats can strain protective resources and impact public confidence in law‑enforcement agencies.”
Political analysts argue that the poll’s findings could influence how security agencies allocate resources ahead of the 2028 presidential race. Dr. Miguel Serrano of Georgetown University noted, “If the public perceives a heightened danger, it may pressure the Secret Service to adopt more visible protective measures, which could affect Trump’s public engagements.” Moreover, the heightened sense of threat could impact voter sentiment, potentially swaying undecided voters who prioritize safety.
The Pew Research Center plans to release a follow‑up survey in three months to gauge whether the perceived risk persists as the political calendar advances. Stakeholders will watch for any official statements from the Secret Service and for any legislation proposed by Congress aimed at strengthening security for former and current officeholders.