President Donald Trump is said to be feeling “on edge” and “under siege” after recent assassination attempts, according to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman.
Haberman, recognized for her in-depth reporting on Trump, provided insights into his mindset as he faces a challenging campaign trail.
In a Friday segment on CNN, guest host Boris Sanchez referenced comments made by Trump at his recent rally in Long Island, New York, as reported by Breitbart News.
“I thought this was a wise guy coming up. This guy, I’m getting ready. You know, I’ve got a little bit of a yip problem here. Right? That was amazing. I was all ready to start duking it out,” Trump said.
“I thought this was a wiseguy coming up. This guy. I'm getting ready. I'm going like this. You know, I got a little bit of a yip problem here, right? That was amazing. I was all ready to start duking it out … First time that's ever happened. Is he new to the game?"
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 19, 2024
— Trump NY pic.twitter.com/seb0pt35Lr
“He describes it as a ip moment. He seems to flinch when he, out of the corner of his eye, sees some movement and imagines someone lunging out from the crowd. What did you think when you saw that?” Sanchez asked Haberman.
“Looking at his face is very telling because you see his eyes dart off to the right, and he jerks his body, and he says it – that he thought that somebody was coming up to the stage. This is clearly his reaction after what happened on Sunday when there was another apparent assassination attempt on him, the second in just over two months. And he is he is on edge. For him to say that he has a yip problem, which is an acknowledgment of anxiety – is pretty unusual for a guy who likes to project strength at all times,” Haberman said.
“He and his campaign feel very under siege. They feel as if they are under attack all the time in one way or another and for a variety of reasons,” she added.
“There were physical threats, there are inherent treats, there is a number of threats and it’s coming from various places,” she continued.
Haberman’s remarks follow several security incidents, including a recent assassination attempt that thankfully did not involve any gunfire directed at the former president. This incident comes after a similar attempt in Butler, PA, in July, highlighting the ongoing threats Trump faces as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.
Despite these concerning events, Trump continues to showcase his characteristic resilience. His steadfast dedication to connecting with supporters and tackling perceived grievances remains a key element of his campaign strategy.
While Trump’s campaign has come under heavy media scrutiny, with some outlets framing recent weeks as difficult for him, many conservatives regard this narrative with skepticism, viewing it as part of a wider trend of biased reporting against him.
As the November election nears, tensions are escalating across the political spectrum, with growing concerns about potential violence both before and after the election. Trump’s supporters remain unwavering, interpreting the assassination attempts as further proof of the obstacles their candidate faces from adversaries.
In light of these events, many conservatives are uniting around Trump, viewing him as a leader besieged from multiple angles. The assassination attempts have reinforced the perception of Trump as a fighter against the establishment—an idea that resonates deeply with his base.
The upcoming weeks and months will be critical for Trump’s campaign as he navigates these challenges and makes his case to the American public. For many conservatives, his resilience in the face of these threats underscores his strength and determination—qualities they believe are vital for leading the nation through tough times.