The White House on the 17th denied former President Donald Trump’s remarks that the assassination attempt on him was due to the rhetoric of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “I have never incited violence in any way.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said this during a briefing that day, saying, “President Biden and Vice President Harris have always strongly condemned violence in all its forms.” Regarding the assassination attempt on him that took place at his golf course on the 15th, former President Trump said in an interview with Fox News the day before, “He believed the rhetoric of Biden and Harris,” and “he acted on that belief.”
Former President Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance, also criticized the Democratic camp’s designation of former President Trump as a “threat to democracy” in a speech he gave in Atlanta, Georgia the previous day. Vance also mentioned that no one tried to kill Democratic presidential candidate Harris. When asked about Vance’s statement that day, Spokesperson Jean-Pierre criticized, “That kind of rhetoric is dangerous.” He added, “People respect certain national leaders,” and “When you are the leader of a country, people listen to what you say.”
Meanwhile, the White House announced that Vice President Harris also spoke with former President Trump that afternoon, following President Biden. The White House reported that in a “brief and polite” call, Vice President Harris said she was glad that former President Trump was safe.