Donald Trump, on the Flagrant podcast, hinted at a foreign-backed assassination plot involving Iran.
At a Glance
- FBI struggles to access phones linked to suspects in alleged plots against Trump.
- Incidents include attempts in West Palm Beach and Pennsylvania.
- Trump criticizes the FBI’s inefficacy in addressing threats.
- Iran may be involved due to Trump’s past policies.
Emerging Threats Against Trump
On a recent episode of the Flagrant podcast, Former President Donald Trump suggested that the FBI possesses intelligence about foreign espionage efforts, particularly assassination plots targeting him. During his conversation with host Andrew Schulz, Trump complained about the bureau’s failure to unlock phones potentially used by suspects, hinting at the involvement of foreign-developed apps.
Amid these revelations, Trump gave the impression of Iranian involvement. He attributed their motives to his assertive political maneuvers during his presidency. [Source: The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/25/trump-iran-assassination-plot]
Incidents Under Scrutiny
The accusations come after a series of troubling incidents, including the one involving Ryan Wesley Routh. Routh, discovered near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course with a rifle, has a troubling past including traveling to Ukraine. His self-published book criticized Trump while urging his assassination. Such incidents underscore the dangers enveloping Trump, highlighting ongoing security issues even as critiques are leveled against the Secret Service.
“Big threats on my life by Iran,” Trump reportedly stated, emphasizing how they “didn’t work out” but warning of future attempts.
The apparent failure of security at his July campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, wherein he was injured, further emphasizes these threats’ seriousness. Authorities, including the FBI, are probing the event and interrogating the accused gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks. It’s been reported that the scheme appeared premeditated and that law enforcement is fixing previous lapses in communication.
NEW: Via @jonathanvswan @katekelly me https://t.co/fipOwh5yVg
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) September 17, 2024
International Tensions and Alleged Involvement
The Iranian connection raises international concerns. Trump has been allegedly targeted due to the 2020 killing of Iranian military figure Qassim Soleimani. Intelligence bodies assert coherence between suspected Iranian and domestic offenders involved in conspiracies against Trump.
Iran firmly denies these allegations. Yet, intelligence further indicates Iranian-backed operatives targeting US political figures, heightening external tensions. The FBI continues its substantial scrutinization involving over 450 interviews, representing an intense investment directed toward thwarting potential threats.
Sources:
- A Second Assassination Plot and the New Era of Political Violence
- Donald Trump briefed on suspected Iranian assassination plot
