As reported by Politico, House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that any attempt by Democrats to replace President Joe Biden as their presidential candidate could face legal challenges.
Vice President Kamala Harris is a potential replacement, but Johnson noted complications in switching candidates in several states.
Johnson discussed this issue during an appearance on ABC's "This Week." He emphasized that each state has its own system, complicating the process of switching out a candidate in certain areas.
Johnson's comments align with remarks he made during the Republican National Convention. He suggested that legal challenges could arise in states where the switch of candidates is contestable.
Biden has not yet been formally nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate. The formal nomination will occur when delegates vote at the Democratic National Convention. Despite Biden's overwhelming primary victory, Johnson believes there could still be grounds for legal challenges.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been mentioned as a possible replacement if Biden withdraws. Johnson highlighted potential legal impediments in states with contestable processes.
"Every state has its own system, and in some of these, it's not possible to simply just switch out a candidate," Johnson said.
Johnson declined to criticize former President Donald Trump for his derogatory remarks about Harris, referring to her as "laughing Kamala" and "crazy" in a recent speech. Johnson has previously stated that personal attacks should not be part of the election process.
He defended Trump's grievances, stressing that Trump has been subjected to numerous attacks. "I articulate things in a certain way and Donald Trump does as well, but his grievances, as you said, are because he has been the subject of so many attacks," Johnson noted.
Johnson also argued that Democrats have made derogatory statements about Trump and other Republican leaders. "We could run the tape of terrible things that Kamala Harris has said about Donald Trump, of course, and Biden as well, and everybody in the Democrat leadership," he said.
Johnson's remarks highlight the potential for a contentious legal battle if Democrats try to replace Biden, reflecting the complexities of the American electoral system. The prospect of legal challenges adds uncertainty to an already volatile election cycle, with Biden's formal nomination still pending.
These comments have sparked discussions about the potential ramifications of a candidate switch, including significant legal and procedural hurdles for the Democratic Party.
In summary, House Speaker Mike Johnson has highlighted the legal challenges that could arise if Democrats attempt to replace President Joe Biden with another candidate. He noted the complexities of state-specific systems and the potential for contestable processes. Johnson also defended Trump's grievances and emphasized the derogatory remarks made by Democrats. As the election cycle continues, the potential for legal battles looms large, adding to the uncertainty of the political landscape.
According to Newsmax, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's favorability has surged to a four-year high of 40%, significantly surpassing President Joe Biden's favorability, which has dropped to 32%.
This increase in favorability stems partly from Trump's momentum following a recent trial conviction, which has led many Democrats to reconsider Biden's candidacy for the upcoming election.
Trump's favorability has reached 40%, marking his highest level in four years. In stark contrast, President Joe Biden's favorability stands at 32%, revealing a growing gap in public perception between the two leaders.
Polling insights indicate a significant trend: 60% of registered Democrats now desire Biden to end his reelection campaign. This sentiment reflects a broader unease within the party regarding Biden's ability to lead effectively in the upcoming election. Surprisingly, Republicans (44%) are more inclined than Democrats (39%) to support Biden remaining in the race to uphold democratic nomination principles.
Trump's recent trial conviction in a business records case, overseen by Democrat Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan, has played a critical role in his rising favorability. According to Mediaite, Trump's favorability has "skyrocketed 9 points in less than two months," based on the June ABC News/Ipsos poll.
This significant increase in favorability marks a turning point for Trump, whose highest favorability rating of 42% was recorded during the August 2020 Republican National Convention at the White House. The latest figures suggest that public sentiment may be shifting in his favor as he prepares for another run at the presidency.
Trump's highest recorded favorability was 42% in August 2020, coinciding with the Republican National Convention held during the COVID-19 pandemic. This context underscores the current surge as a significant milestone for the former president, indicating potential resilience and renewed support among his base.
The ABC News/Ipsos poll, conducted on July 19-20, surveyed 1,141 U.S. adults. The methodology included oversamples of Black and Hispanic respondents, ensuring the results accurately reflect the general population. The poll's margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, providing a reliable snapshot of current public opinion.
Dick Morris, a Trump presidential adviser, provided insight into this shift. "There are two ways to measure a politician's popularity — his job rating and his personal favorability — and Trump's job rating has always been 5 or 6 points higher than his personal favorability," Morris said. "Very rarely does a public figure get to transform his image, and Trump really has done that."
Trump himself commented on the situation, emphasizing the complexity of the current political landscape.:
There's never been anything like it, and now we have something coming up where they're going to go to the convention and they have a couple of problems: No. 1, they have no idea who their candidate is and neither do we. That's a problem. But we'll see. Hopefully they get it worked out.
As Trump's favorability rises, the implications for the upcoming election become more pronounced. The significant shift in public opinion may influence the strategies of both parties as they navigate the complexities of the 2024 election cycle. With 60% of registered Democrats desiring Biden to step down, the Democratic Party faces internal challenges that could impact its ability to present a united front.
Republicans, on the other hand, may capitalize on this momentum, leveraging Trump's increased favorability to strengthen their campaign efforts. The current landscape suggests a dynamic and potentially volatile election season ahead, with public opinion playing a critical role in shaping the outcomes.
Donald Trump's favorability has surged to a four-year high of 40%, surpassing President Joe Biden's 32%. This shift follows a recent trial conviction that has significantly boosted Trump's public image. The ABC News/Ipsos poll highlights key insights, including a notable desire among Democrats for Biden to end his reelection campaign. Historical context and polling methodology provide a comprehensive understanding of this trend.
Democrats this week were reportedly considering an unprecedented move to replace President Joe Biden as the party's 2024 presidential candidate.
Party leaders worried about Biden's ability to run for a second term amid rising concerns he would lose to Donald Trump, and floated the use of a loophole to remove him from contention, as the Daily Mail reported.
At the heart of this debate was a procedural loophole that would have seen Biden ousted if he refused to step aside. Democrats at the upcoming National Convention in August would perhaps have been able to utilize this "good-conscience loophole" to vote for an alternative candidate. This loophole permits delegates to vote contrary to their pledged choice if they feel their candidate no longer represents their interests or those of the voters.
This rule surfaced after the contentious 1980 convention between Ted Kennedy and Jimmy Carter. Political scientist Elaine Kamarck explained the loophole to delegates during a Zoom call on Friday morning, detailing its historical significance. According to Kamarck, the rule mandates that elected delegates reflect the opinions of their electors, thereby allowing flexibility.
Concerns over President Biden's cognitive decline have been growing. Over 30 Democrats have articulated doubts, fueling discussions about invoking the loophole. Inside sources close to the president admitted the existence rising internal divisions within the West Wing regarding his re-election campaign, ahead of his Sunday decision to bow out of the race.
Prominent Democrats were increasingly vocal last week about wanting Biden to withdraw from the race. Even within his inner circle, some conceded that he could not run in 2024. Johanna Maska, a former aide, highlighted the division within the party, urging patience as Biden contemplated his next move.
Maska emphasized the difficulty for aides who must navigate public and private pressures. She quoted one longtime aide asking to "just give him the grace to make the decision himself." Kamarck expressed confusion over why the media had not grasped the importance and application of this procedural rule.
The fate of Biden's re-election bid hinged on decisions made at the Democratic National Convention. Delegates were preparing various strategies and were perhaps prepared to invoke the loophole if Biden did not voluntarily step down. As Kamarck stated, there's no precedent for a clear-cut primary winner who later faced such extensive doubts about their capacity to move forward.
The uncertainty left a critical question unanswered: who would replace Biden if the delegates voted against him? The potential disruption poses risks for the Democratic Party as members prepare for a challenging election against former President Donald Trump.
With increasing public scrutiny and internal debates, the road to the 2024 election is fraught with tension. Concerns about whether Biden would bow to growing pressure or resist the push added another layer to an already complex political landscape.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration was forced to manage its internal conflicts. Biden's aides were divided, with many profoundly concerned about his ability to lead another campaign. These divisions became increasingly public, complicating the narrative for the incumbent's supporters.
Kamarck underscored the unusual nature of the current political climate, reflecting on historical precedents and their implications for today. The procedural differences connected to delegate votes are more than a mere technicality; they had real potential to alter the Democratic ticket fundamentally.
Ultimately, the next few weeks will be crucial as Democrats head towards the convention. The decision on who will now replace Biden will be a pivotal turning point for the party and perhaps the country. The Democratic Party's strategy and overall cohesion are now on the line. These unexpected challenges test the organization's ability to adapt and unify in the face of unprecedented uncertainty.
In a dramatically patriotic display, former wrestling legend Hulk Hogan electrified the Republican National Convention with his fervent endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Hogan hailed Trump as a "real American hero," adding noteworthy theatrics by tearing his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance muscle tank, as the Los Angeles Times reports.
Real name Terry Bollea, Hogan is known for his six World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) championships, and he made a sensational appearance Thursday night at the RNC. He kicked off his speech by evoking the energy of his wrestling career, leading the crowd to a peak reminiscent of his days at Madison Square Garden. "When I came here tonight, there was so much energy in this room I felt maybe I was in Madison Square Garden getting ready to win another world title," Hogan exclaimed.
During his speech, Hogan expressed a longstanding friendship with Trump, spanning over 35 years. He applauded Trump, the Republican presidential nominee and a fellow WWE Hall of Famer, as a "hero" and "gladiator." In full wrestling spirit, Hogan belted out, "But what I found out was I was in a room of real Americans, brother."
Hogan's energetic presence was not without theatrical flair. He punctuated his endorsement by tearing off his shirt to unveil a bright red Trump-Vance muscle tank, an act that drove the 50,000 attendees into a frenzy. "Let Trumpamania run wild, brother. Let Trumpamania rule again. Let Trumpamania make America great again," he rallied.
Hogan's endorsement extended beyond mere theatrics; it echoed deep political sentiments. He emphasized his decision to support Trump owing to "everything that's happened to our country over the past four years." The recent assassination attempt on Trump intensified Hogan's resolve to publicly back the former president.
Despite facing dual impeachments and numerous legal battles, Trump’s resilience was a central theme of Hogan's speech. "I know tough guys, but let me tell you something, brother. Donald Trump is the toughest of them all," he asserted. This endorsement touched upon Trump's fighting spirit and unwavering commitment to his political cause.
Hogan also voiced his support for vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance, labeling the Republican ticket as “the greatest tag team.” Reflecting on his wrestling days, Hogan drew an analogy to emphasize the strength of the Trump-Vance partnership, invoking the image of unbeatable wrestling duos. In a nod to his catchphrase, Hogan concluded his endorsement with, "Whatcha gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you, brother?"
Alongside Hogan, UFC President Dana White took to the stage to introduce Trump at the RNC. White echoed Hogan's sentiments, praising Trump as a "fighter" and "real American badass." This introduction set a robust tone for Trump’s address to the convention attendees.
Trump, appearing at the convention with a bandaged ear following the recent assassination attempt, addressed the crowd's enthusiasm. Many attendees symbolically wore ear bandages matching his. Trump’s speech was a call to restore and save the country, promising the American people "rich and wonderful tomorrows."
Hogan’s dramatic endorsement, coupled with his nostalgic nod to wrestling, left a memorable impact on the convention. His blend of personal conviction and theatricality illuminated his support for Trump in a way only Hulk Hogan could deliver.
This RNC appearance marked Hogan’s significant dive into political waters, reflecting his current stance on American politics. "As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics, but after everything that’s happened to our country over the past four years, and everything that happened last weekend, I can no longer stay silent," Hogan declared, underlining the gravity of recent national events on his decision to endorse Trump.
Summarizing a night of high energy and dramatic displays, Hogan said, "I’m here tonight because I want the world to know that Donald Trump is a real American hero, and I’m proud to support my hero as the next president of this United States."
President Joe Biden has proposed limiting the tenure of Supreme Court justices, aiming to curry favor with his party's progressive faction.
This proposal was seen as part of Biden's strategy to respond to internal pressures within the Democratic Party while bolstering support for his reelection bid, which he ended on Sunday, as The Hill reports.
The announcement came during a Zoom call with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal and co-chaired by Rep. Ilhan Omar. This move reflected Biden's escalating response to demands from his party, urging him to step down before the Democratic convention.
The New York Times described this shift as an appeal towards the more liberal wing of the Democratic Party. Biden's stance on Supreme Court reform marked a departure from his previous approach during the 2020 campaign when he refrained from commenting on court packing to avoid alienating either moderates or progressives.
In the past, calls to add more justices to the Supreme Court came from liberal figures, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Despite this, Biden previously expressed no genuine intention to pack the court, establishing a commission to explore reforms primarily to placate his political supporters. Biden's pivot towards proposing term limits for justices appeared to be politically calculated, intended to galvanize support amid discontent and low polling figures within his own party.
Observers have drawn comparisons to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1937 strategy to appoint additional justices to secure his New Deal legislation. Biden is likely contemplating legislative means over a constitutional amendment to bring term limits to fruition.
The constitutional legitimacy of such a proposal, however, remains in question, with the Supreme Court itself ultimately determining its validity. This latest move is perceived more as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive change.
The proposal's impact would predominantly affect conservative justices, leading to speculations about Biden's motives. Critics argue that this approach could provoke further calls for Supreme Court alterations, including court packing, especially if Democrats seize control of both congressional chambers.
Recent protests directed at individual justices have been encouraged by certain law professors advocating for more aggressive actions. Biden's announcement, asking for support from the Congressional Progressive Caucus, highlights his readiness to make considerable political compromises under internal duress.
Biden's career has seen significant shifts in his positions, often guided by political expediency. His decision to run for reelection against a backdrop of internal party discord and low polling numbers has only intensified calls for substantial reforms.
No credible evidence has suggested cognitive decline among older Supreme Court justices, such as Justice Clarence Thomas, despite frequent critiques about Biden's own mental fitness. This discrepancy has fueled further scrutiny of Biden's motivations behind the proposed term limits.
The proposal underscores Biden's willingness to adapt to increasing pressure from within his party. Nonetheless, its constitutional challenges and the potential for heightened demands for more dramatic Supreme Court changes indicate an uncertain future. As Biden's legacy is put to test, questions arise over the long-term implications of his political maneuvers.
The announcement from Biden, during a critical period of his presidency, reflects a delicate balancing act between catering to his party's left wing and maintaining broader electoral viability.
A rumor alleging that Janeen DiGuiseppi, an FBI assistant director, was present during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has been firmly debunked.
Multiple sources, including the FBI itself, have confirmed the claim about the agency leader to be entirely false, as Snopes explains.
Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an attempt on his life on July 13, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In the days following, social media lit up with claims that FBI Assistant Director Janeen DiGuiseppi was allegedly present at the rally, seen seated directly behind Trump.
The rumor suggested that DiGuiseppi's presence indicated the plot was an "inside job" orchestrated by official law enforcement. This unfounded theory soon went viral on X (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, and Reddit, with various users speculating DiGuiseppi’s involvement in coordinating the shooter.
Some social media comments fanned the flames further, alleging that the assassination attempt was even state-sponsored and led by Democratic President Joe Biden. One online user declared, "Inside job and they will never prove it wasn't. History repeats itself JFK pt. 2."
The FBI’s press office responded swiftly and unequivocally to these allegations. An FBI spokesperson labeled the claims as "categorically false."
Authorities have faced challenges in identifying the shooter's motive, but there is no evidence to support these conspiracy theories. The viral spread of the rumor complicated the official efforts to manage public perception and maintain order.
The woman who sparked the rumors bore barely any resemblance to DiGuiseppi. This individual was noted to have long brown hair and wore sunglasses and a baseball cap. Her facial features did not match those of DiGuiseppi.
DiGuiseppi has never been assigned to duties in Pennsylvania, further disproving her alleged presence at the rally. She had no legitimate reason to attend the rally in Butler, and assertions that she directed the shooter are entirely baseless.
Janeen DiGuiseppi was appointed assistant director of the Insider Threat Office at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., in August 2023. Before this, she served as a special agent in charge of the Albany Field Office in New York starting in August 2021. DiGuiseppi’s service history with the FBI dates back to her joining the bureau in 1999.
It is also important to note that the FBI was not responsible for organizing or handling security at the rally. The agency took over the investigation only after the attack occurred, underlining that DiGuiseppi's participation in the event would have been an odd anomaly.
In the aftermath of the attack, law enforcement and federal agencies concentrated on the concerted investigation of the incident. Such unsubstantiated rumors pose a challenge to the ongoing investigative processes, despite their virality online.
The rapid spread of such misinformation demonstrates the considerable power and potential hazards of social media. As seen, even outlandish theories can gain traction and potentially vindicate wild and provocative conjectures among the public.
Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt on Saturday at a Pennsylvania rally.
The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by Secret Service agents, but conspiracy theories about a second shooter quickly spread on social media, as CBS News reports.
The attempt on Trump's life occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Local law enforcement and U.S. Secret Service identified the shooter as Crooks, who was neutralized almost immediately.
Alleged misinformation flooded platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit in the aftermath of the incident. Visuals purportedly showing a second shooter on a nearby water tower contributed to the frenzy.
A number of authorities, journalists, and eyewitness accounts firmly contradicted these claims. Crooks was on a roof near the tower, with officials declaring that he had no accomplices.
Blurred videos on social media made questionable claims about additional activity on the nearby water tower. Posts featuring this content gained traction, spreading the theory further.
On some X posts, community notes were added to debunk the second shooter myth. Despite these attempts, the theory persisted and confused many viewers. An eyewitness in a Fox News interview mentioned a supposed additional shooter. Such statements only fueled what many are calling a dangerous conspiracy theory.
CBS News reviewed footage and confirmed no person was on the water tower. The supposed shadows were explained as the Pennsylvania American Water logo and a vent, not human figures.
Experts emphasized the danger of sharing unverified information amid significant news events. Other sources stressed the notion that premature conclusions can wreak havoc and distort public understanding.
CBS News also shared best practices for social media users to ensure responsible information dissemination. One primary recommendation was verifying sources before sharing content.
Following the assassination attempt, former President Trump was unharmed. The sole assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was quickly incapacitated by the Secret Service.
Despite what many say is clear evidence to the contrary, theories alleging a second shooter spread rapidly. Local law enforcement and multiple credible sources confirmed only one shooter, situated near the water tower.
The quick spread of highly debatable information underscores the critical need for caution when sharing news on social media.
President Joe Biden has found himself at a critical juncture, beset by internal party pressures and personal health challenges.
Biden, recovering from a mild COVID-19 case in Delaware, faced -- and heeded -- calls to step aside as the Democratic nominee while Donald Trump’s recent actions heightened tensions within the party, as TIME reports.
Donald Trump’s recent convention acceptance speech, spanning 92 minutes, was a pivotal event, magnifying the existing divide among Democrats regarding Biden’s candidacy. Trump’s address, filled with inconsistencies, prompted mixed reactions within the Democratic Party about Biden’s capability to secure a victory in the upcoming election.
Biden is currently recuperating at his beach house in Delaware, isolated due to COVID-19. Despite his illness, he continues to fulfill his presidential duties remotely, managing critical issues such as a global computer malfunction affecting U.S. airspace.
Discussions within the Democratic Party have intensified, with more members having urged Biden to reconsider his bid for re-election. Public and private polls suggesting Biden might be a liability for the party have fueled these debates. Many high-profile Democrats worry that his low approval ratings could jeopardize the party’s prospects in a crucial election year.
Biden’s family and party discussions are key factors influencing his consideration of the future. Fundraising efforts have noticeably slowed, adding another layer of concern for his campaign’s viability. Yet, until Sunday, Biden remained committed to his re-election campaign, actively preparing his advertisements and travel plans.
In response to these internal pressures, the Democratic National Committee decided to delay Biden’s official renomination timeline until after Aug. 1. This strategic move is aimed at giving the party more time to navigate the apparent discord and present a united front.
Even with growing doubts, Biden was, until Sunday, projected to be the nominee at the convention in Chicago on Aug. 19. Party leaders are keen on avoiding a chaotic nominating process similar to the tumultuous 1968 convention.
Ron Klain, a senior adviser and former chief of staff, acknowledged the mounting pressure on Biden. “I think he’s feeling the pressure,” Klain stated, reflecting the rising concerns inside the party’s ranks.
Opinions within the party are starkly polarized. Some members believe Biden’s experience and previous accomplishments positioned him well to counter Trump, despite his current challenges. Others, however, have seen him as failing to energize the voter base. A senior Democratic official remarked, “He just doesn’t get it. Joe Biden has done so much for this country but he stands to be the undoing of this party.”
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign manager, emphasized the president’s determination as recently as Friday. “Absolutely, the President is in this race,” Dillon affirmed. She highlighted that Biden was more committed than ever to defeating Trump and that the campaign was prepared for a close election, identifying a clear path forward.
While Biden’s confidence appeared to have waned since the July 4 holiday, he remained resolute in his endeavor to win re-election until Sunday. Nonetheless, indications are emerging that he might eventually re-evaluate his candidacy, give
The Democratic Party's internal struggles are unfolding amid the backdrop of an increasingly complicated election landscape. Biden's Sunday decision to withdraw from the race sets the stage for an unprecedented scenario for the party.
The aftermath of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has revealed a web of intrigue involving encrypted overseas accounts linked to the suspect.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, had several mysterious encrypted overseas accounts that are now under investigation by the FBI, as the Western Journal reports.
These revelations were brought to light by Republican Representative Mike Waltz of Florida. Waltz discussed these findings on Thursday during an interview with Jesse Watters of Fox News.
According to Waltz, Crooks had three encrypted accounts overseas. The FBI is now working in collaboration with foreign liaisons to gain access to these accounts.
Waltz emphasized the complexity of the situation by stating, "So, I mean, there is, I think, this is going to go much broader, much deeper." He also suggested that there might be a possible connection to Iranian efforts, raising the stakes of the investigation. "Well, we know the Iranians have been trying for years," Waltz noted.
Intelligence about potential threats had been shared with Trump's security team prior to the assassination attempt. Additionally, Waltz indicated that former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien had his security detail reduced. “And we also know, it’s finally come out, many of us have been fighting this for years, that they pulled National Security Advisor O’Brien’s detail completely away," Waltz said.
Further insights into this case are anticipated to begin surfacing on Monday. The FBI continues to probe into the exact nature and legitimacy of the encrypted accounts.
National Security Council representative Adrienne Watson downplayed any confirmed foreign involvement as of Tuesday. "At this time, law enforcement has reported that their investigation has not identified ties between the shooter and any accomplice or co-conspirator, foreign or domestic," Watson said.
Adding another layer of mystery, a message believed to be from Crooks was posted on the gaming platform Steam. The message read, "July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds," according to a Senate briefing held on Wednesday night. This enigmatic message has led to increased efforts by the FBI to piece together Crooks' actions and motivations leading up to the attempt.
The investigation revealed that Crooks had multiple encrypted accounts abroad. These accounts and their potential connections to foreign threats, including an Iranian plot, have become a focus. Authorities remain cautious while examining these links, given the complexity of international intelligence and cybersecurity concerns.
This high-profile case underscores the continuing threats faced by former President Trump and those involved in national security. The reduction of security detail for former National Security Advisor O’Brien highlights vulnerabilities that are being rigorously scrutinized.
Further developments are anticipated to be disclosed as the FBI and other agencies continue their investigations. The case remains dynamic, with national security implications closely monitored.
With a multifaceted investigation underway, authorities are balancing the nuances of international diplomacy, cybersecurity, and the personal security of high-profile individuals. The public and officials alike await further details that may emerge starting Monday, hoping for clarity on the elusive nature of Crooks’ overseas accounts and any connected threats.
An unfounded conspiracy theory about an assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s life has been debunked by the FBI.
FBI Assistant Director Janeen DiGuiseppi was falsely accused of being present and involved in the rally at which Trump was targeted in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, as Snopes explains.
The incident occurred during a campaign rally held by Trump last weekend. Rumors began swirling after a photo allegedly showed DiGuiseppi seated directly behind Trump. These baseless claims quickly gained traction on social media platforms including X, TikTok, and Reddit, where they garnered millions of views.
The FBI has released a statement strongly denying these allegations. According to the bureau, the claims are "categorically false" with no supporting evidence. They emphasized that Assistant Director Janeen DiGuiseppi was not in Pennsylvania at the time of the rally.
The viral post suggesting the possibility of an "inside job" further compounded the unfounded conspiracy theories proliferating online. Some users went as far as to accuse DiGuiseppi of providing instructions to the shooter, which the FBI has also unequivocally denied.
DiGuiseppi's recent history offers no reason for her presence in Pennsylvania. She holds the position of Assistant Director of the Insider Threat Office at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., a role she has occupied since August 2023.
The speculation on social media claimed that the attempted assassination was state sponsored, involving current Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden. This conspiracy theory has been notably pervasive, stirring intense debate among users and viewers.
“Inside job and they will never prove it wasn't. History repeats itself JFK pt. 2,” commented one internet user. Another echoed similar sentiments stating, “The more info I get -- the more I believe this was 100% a setup and allowed to happen."
The widespread online rumors seemed to derive from superficial resemblances between the alleged woman at the rally and DiGuiseppi, including age, long brown hair, and similar attire.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to uncover the shooter's motive following the attack. As of yet, no concrete identification of the woman from the rally has been made. Key differences in visible features further debunk the conspiracy’s correlation with DiGuiseppi.
Trump's campaign team and the FBI have not reported any involvement of the agency in the organization or security management of the rally. The bureau, however, is leading the investigation following the unfortunate event.
Janeen DiGuiseppi’s distinguished career with the FBI spans over two decades. Prior to her current role in Washington, D.C., she was the first woman to serve as the special agent in charge of the Albany Field Office in New York.
The methodical yet relentless spread of such misinformation reflects the potency of online platforms in amplifying false narratives. Despite the definitive statements from the FBI, the viral nature of these claims underlines the challenges faced by authorities in countering fake news.