Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich stated on Sunday that Democratic political rhetoric is directly contributing to threats against President Donald Trump, citing the security scare at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner as part of a broader pattern.
Speaking on “Sunday Agenda,” the former governor described the incident Saturday night at the Washington Hilton hotel—where a suspected gunman was detained before reaching the ballroom containing Trump and other officials—as evidence of escalating political hostility. Blagojevich, who served three terms in Congress and two stints as governor, said the situation reflects what he called an unprecedented escalation.
“Three assassination attempts that have made substantial steps forward against President Trump. It’s unprecedented,” Blagojevich stated. “No president has been under the kind of threats that Trump has gone through since Abraham Lincoln.”
He argued that repeated characterizations of Trump by political opponents, including labeling him a “Nazi,” “racist,” and “misogynist,” are fueling anger among individuals who then obstruct law enforcement efforts. Blagojevich added: “It’s no surprise that this young guy did what he did, because these are the very people who are likely to commit these sorts of crimes.”
The incident disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Association event, which brought together journalists, lawmakers, and administration officials. Authorities reported the suspect, who allegedly carried multiple weapons, was stopped before entering the main event area. Blagojevich praised law enforcement for preventing a potential tragedy: “God bless the Secret Service for the great work they did last night,” he said, noting that the agents were protecting Democratic members of Congress present at the gathering.
He also tied the incident to ongoing Democratic obstruction of Homeland Security funding, which has been partially shut down since February due to disagreements over immigration enforcement. “They ought to pass the Homeland Security bill so they can fund Homeland Security and stop using that as blackmail,” Blagojevich urged.
Blagojevich called for Democrats to prioritize national security protocols: “They ought to go along and protect our presidents and all of our government officials and stop playing politics.”
