Politics

Trump reveals how youngest son, Barron, reacted to learning his dad had been shot by would-be assassin

Donald Trump details when his wife, Melania and son, Barron heard about assassination attempt
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Former President Donald Trump has revealed how his youngest son, Barron Trump, reacted to being told the shocking news that his father had been shot in an assassination attempt

“Barron was outside having a tennis lesson,” Trump, 78, told Fox News’ Mark Levin of the moment his 18-year-old son was informed of the July 13 shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa.

“He’s a good tennis player. And somebody ran up and said, ‘Barron! Barron! Your father’s been shot!’” 

Barron Trump, 18, was playing tennis when the teen learned his father had been shot on July 13. DAMON HIGGINS/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Republican presidential candidate said his son reacted immediately.

“He loves his father. He’s a good kid, good student, good athlete actually — and he ran, ‘Mom! What’s going on? What’s going on?’”

Trump added that his wife Melania had been watching the rally on TV and saw the assassination attempt unfold live.

“She couldn’t believe it. She was actually watching it live, can you imagine? And then I get up, and I let people know I was OK,” he recounted, noting how he raised his fist in the air soon after being tackled to the ground by Secret Service agents.

“I let people know I was OK. But it was a hit, it was a big hit.”

Still, the former first lady is unable to talk about the assassination attempt, Trump said.

Agencies continue to probe how sniper Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to open fire on the former president. Obtained by NY Post
Trump raised his fist in the air after the assassination attempt. AP

“She can’t even talk about it, which is okay because that means she likes me,” he said.

Trump’s remarks come as a slew of agencies continue to probe 20-year-old sniper Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to evade security and open fire on the 45th president from a rooftop during the crowded campaign rally.

The Secret Service, meanwhile, has come under intense scrutiny over the security failings that preceded the attack.

The agency’s embattled boss, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned in the wake of the saga and at least five officials at the protective agency were moved to administrative duty — meaning they can’t be involved in operational planning.