Despite his position as a world leader and facing multiple assassination attempts, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly been refusing to wear a bulletproof vest. When officials pressed him for a reason, his response left them stunned. Trump explained that he prioritizes his appearance and “slim” physique, stating that the protective gear makes him look significantly heavier than he actually is. “I want to look slim… that jacket makes me look 20 pounds heavier. I can’t bear that,” he reportedly remarked, a comment that has since gone viral.
A Matter of Style Over Safety?
During a recent interaction with reporters at the White House, Trump shared his candid thoughts on the protective gear. He quipped that he simply cannot handle the visual of 20 extra pounds of bulk. Known for being sensitive about his public image, the President seems to prefer his aesthetic appeal over the added security. Furthermore, he noted that wearing such armor feels like a form of surrender to “evil forces” and criminals. “It’s a way of bowing down to bad people,” he added, emphasizing that he doesn’t want to project a sense of fear.
A History of Risks and Physical Transformation
The debate over his security comes in the wake of at least three assassination attempts over the past two years. Most notably, in 2024, Trump survived a shooting during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he sustained an injury to his ear. Despite these high-risk incidents, his focus remains on his recent physical transformation. After entering office for his second term, Trump has noticeably lost weight. Medical reports from April 2025 show he dropped from 243 pounds in 2019 to 224 pounds (approx. 101.6 kg). It appears the President is determined to showcase his hard-earned fitness, even if it means bypassing standard safety protocols.
