Fact Check: Donald Trump could be assassinated while sunbathing at Mar-a-Lago.

Fact Check: "Donald Trump could be assassinated while sunbathing at Mar-a-Lago."

What We Know

The claim stems from comments made by Mohammad-Javad Larijani, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During a broadcast on Iranian state television, Larijani suggested that former President Donald Trump could be targeted by a drone strike while sunbathing at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He stated, "Trump has done something so that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago," implying that a small drone could hit him while he lies in the sun (Newsweek, Hindustan Times).

Trump responded to these comments during a press interaction, acknowledging that it could be considered a threat, although he expressed uncertainty about the seriousness of the remarks (Daily Beast). The context of Larijani's comments was reportedly lighthearted, made during a discussion about Iranian military technology (Newsweek).

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has previously issued warnings about Iranian threats against U.S. officials, particularly in the wake of heightened tensions following the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 (Newsweek, Daily Mail).

Analysis

The claim that Trump could be assassinated while sunbathing at Mar-a-Lago is rooted in a specific statement made by an Iranian official. While the comment was made in a joking manner, it nonetheless reflects the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have been exacerbated by military actions and political rhetoric over the years.

The credibility of the source, Mohammad-Javad Larijani, is notable; he is a senior official within the Iranian government and has previously made controversial statements. However, the context of his remarks suggests they were not intended as a direct, actionable threat but rather as a provocative comment in a broader discussion about military capabilities (Newsweek, Hindustan Times).

Trump's reaction, which included a mix of humor and acknowledgment of the potential threat, indicates a recognition of the seriousness of the geopolitical situation, even if he downplayed the specific comment. The DHS's prior warnings about Iranian threats lend some weight to the idea that there are real security concerns regarding Trump and other U.S. officials in relation to Iran (Newsweek, Daily Mail).

Overall, while the specific claim about Trump being at risk while sunbathing may be exaggerated and taken out of context, it is grounded in a reality of ongoing threats from Iran towards U.S. officials.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True
The claim that Donald Trump could be assassinated while sunbathing at Mar-a-Lago is partially true. While the statement made by Larijani was likely intended as a joke, it reflects serious underlying tensions and threats that exist between the U.S. and Iran. Trump's acknowledgment of the comment as a potential threat indicates that there is a basis for concern, even if the specific scenario described is not a direct, imminent risk.