The attempted assassinations of U.S. presidents are a grim but recurring part of American history, highlighting the intersection of power, symbolism, and instability. On September 15, 2024, former President Donald Trump narrowly survived a second assassination attempt, marking him as part of a long and unsettling pattern. Since the country’s founding, nearly 40% of U.S. presidents have faced assassination attempts, with four—Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy—being killed while in office. These incidents reflect deep societal fractures, with attacks often aimed at destabilizing the government or attacking the very idea of power itself.
Trump’s recent near-miss added a modern twist to this history, as both suspects were reportedly former supporters who had become disillusioned. In today’s era of radicalization, misinformation, and polarization, the presidency has become both more exposed and more vulnerable, especially with the rise of lone actors and online influence.
Despite the risks, the presidency has endured. Each attempt—whether successful or not—has reinforced the resilience of U.S. institutions. The attacks may aim to destabilize, but they also highlight the strength of the nation’s democratic systems, showing how the government and society can absorb such shocks and continue forward. The presidency, with all its symbolism and power, will always attract both reverence and rage, and the nation’s response to these dangers defines its strength.