Donald Trump jokes he won’t wear bulletproof vest after assassination attempts – ‘I don’t want to look heavier’

Donald Trump has joked he won’t wear a bulletproof vest despite multiple assassination attempts, saying from the Oval Office he ‘does not want to look 20 pounds heavier’

Donald Trump has disclosed why he refuses to wear bulletproof vests despite facing multiple assassination attempts – jokingly admitting he’s concerned it might ruin his figure.

Speaking from the Oval Office, he told journalists that while he recognises a vest would be sensible – and is something he’s been questioned about – he won’t be donning one during public engagements.

This follows after a man allegedly tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner armed with guns and knives in a bid to kill President Donald Trump, agreeing on Thursday to remain in custody.

He said: “I don’t know if I can handle looking 20 pounds (9kg) heavier.

“I’ve been asked about that. I guess it’s something you consider. In one way, you don’t like to do it because you’re giving in to a bad element. And so, I don’t know. But I have been asked about it.”

A man accused of attempting to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner armed with guns and knives in a plot to assassinate President Donald Trump agreed on Thursday to stay behind bars while awaiting trial.

Cole Tomas Allen didn’t enter a plea during his brief court appearance, days after authorities say he charged through a magnetometer at the Washington Hilton brandishing a long gun, disrupting one of the capital’s most high-profile annual gatherings. Allen was injured during Saturday night’s attack but did not sustain gunshot wounds.

A Secret Service officer was shot but survived, thanks to a bullet-resistant vest, according to officials. Prosecutors believe Allen discharged his shotgun at least once and that a Secret Service agent fired five shots. However, they have not publicly confirmed whether it was Allen’s bullet that hit the agent’s vest.

Trump has declared his intention to lift tariffs on Scottish whisky. He referenced the Scotch industry’s ties with the American bourbon industry and the influence of the royals’ visit to the White House.

He stated that while “people have wanted to do this for a long time”, the King and Queen “got me to do something that nobody else was able to do”.

The Scottish and UK governments had been urging the Republican to abolish the 10% tariffs on the industry, as the US is Scotland’s whisky’s largest market.

Buckingham Palace released a statement saying: “The King has been informed of President Trump’s warm gesture and sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports.

“His Majesty will be raising a dram to the President’s thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the US after a most enjoyable State Visit for both Their Majesties in this special anniversary year.”