Donald Trump’s predecessors denounced the apparent assassination attempt on the 45th president Saturday evening.
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” the 44th President Barack Obama, a Democrat who served two terms, posted X, formerly Twitter.
“Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics,” Obama added. “Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
Obama has been a Trump critic and supporter of President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race.
Former President George W. Bush, a Republican who hasn’t been supportive of nor publicly oppositional to Trump, also condemned political violence.
“Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life,” Bush said in a statement. “And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response.”
The 42nd President Bill Clinton, whose wife Hillary Clinton lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential race, also weighed in.
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” Clinton posted. “Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
The apparent assassination attempt occurred Saturday at a Trump rally in Butler, Pa.
Former President Jimmy Carter did not directly address the attack, but the Carter Center issued a statement, asserting Americans should be able to be safe when gathering at a peaceful rally.
President Biden; House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and other political leaders from both parties denounced the attempted assassination.