Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura appeared on Piers Morgan's program and alleged that the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania was staged, invoking a professional wrestling term known as a 'blade job' — a practice in which performers secretly cut themselves to draw blood for dramatic effect.

Ventura repeatedly questioned the authenticity of the event, asking 'Where's his scar today?' and suggesting Trump orchestrated the incident for electoral sympathy. He hedged his claims with repeated disclaimers of 'I don't know' throughout the exchange.

Morgan challenged Ventura directly, noting that Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, was killed at the rally while shielding his family. 'Somebody died, literally, sitting behind him,' Morgan stated. Ventura responded, 'Come on, Piers. You're gonna tell me this guy's a big hero now?'

Morgan defended Trump's conduct on that day specifically, stating: 'I thought that day he was, yeah' heroic, while allowing that Trump's behavior on other occasions could be assessed differently.

Ventura also issued a challenge for Trump to meet him in a wrestling ring, referencing Trump's WWE Hall of Fame status and characterizing the potential matchup as a contest between a 'Vietnam veteran' and a 'draft dodger.'

No credible evidence has been presented supporting the claim that the Butler shooting was staged. Federal investigations and congressional inquiries examined Secret Service failures surrounding the event. Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified as the shooter. Comperatore's death was confirmed by authorities. Multiple attendees were wounded.

CNN commentator Touré separately faced public criticism in 2025 after describing Trump as having been 'supposedly' shot in the ear.

Ventura previously hosted a television series focused on conspiracy theories. The interview represents one of the more prominent public restatements of claims that have circulated in various forms since the day of the shooting.

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/jesse-ventura-claims-trump-staged-assassination-attempt-wrestling-blade-job-his-own-ear (aggregating content authored by Steve Watson via modernity.news)