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Fanning the flames: political violence in Trump’s America

Apr 28, 2026 •

Donald Trump has compared himself to Abraham Lincoln and JFK after an alleged shooter, dubbed in his reported-manifesto as the “friendly federal assassin”, charged a security point armed with guns and knives.

For a moment, the White House Correspondents dinner continued, the president and his guests unaware until the secret service pulled him from the stage, forming a human shield.

This marks the third alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump in two years. As political violence targeting both sides of the aisle grows to unprecedented levels.

Today, SMH columnist and former assistant managing editor of NPR in Washington, Bill Wyman on America’s surge in political violence and Trump’s role as both target and provocateur.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Fanning the flames: political violence in Trump’s America

1896 • Apr 28, 2026

Fanning the flames: political violence in Trump’s America

Donald Trump has compared himself to Abraham Lincoln and JFK after an alleged shooter, dubbed in his reported-manifesto as the “friendly federal assassin”, charged a security point armed with guns and knives.

For a moment, the White House Correspondents dinner continued, the president and his guests unaware until the secret service pulled him from the stage, forming a human shield.

This marks the third alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump in two years. As political violence targeting both sides of the aisle grows to unprecedented levels.

Today, SMH columnist and former assistant managing editor of NPR in Washington, Bill Wyman on America’s surge in political violence and Trump’s role as both target and provocateur.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Guest: SMH columnist Bill Wyman

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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.

It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Nicole Johnston, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.

Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.





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1896: Fanning the flames: political violence in Trump’s America