In an unprecedented occurrence in U.S. history, there have been two attempts on the life of former President Donald Trump within a span of less than two months. While shocking, it is not entirely surprising to some observers. Over the past eight years, many believe that America’s institutions and industries have fueled resentment toward Trump and his supporters, influencing some of the most mentally unstable individuals. Now, it appears that international threats may be involved, with the FBI potentially playing a role.
According to Trump’s campaign, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence recently briefed the former president about specific threats from Iran aimed at assassinating him to destabilize the U.S. The Secret Service, aware of these threats before the July 13 attempt on Trump’s life, increased security, but it was still not enough to prevent the violent attack that resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore and left two others injured.
Former intelligence officials agree that Iran is likely targeting Trump. Peter Theroux, a retired CIA officer with experience in Iran, believes the Iranians have a deep-seated animosity toward Trump, given his policies that imposed sanctions, moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and, most notably, ordered the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. Iran has long vowed revenge for Soleimani’s death, targeting not only Trump but also key figures from his administration, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton.
While Iran’s involvement in threats against Trump is not new, it seems that this particular plot may have been orchestrated by the FBI. Last month, the Department of Justice charged Pakistani national Asif Merchant, with ties to Iran, in connection with a plot to assassinate a U.S. political figure—believed to be Trump.
Merchant entered the U.S. in April 2024 and was arrested in July as he prepared to leave the country. Reports indicate that the FBI had been aware of Merchant before he arrived and facilitated his entry to gather evidence on his assassination plot. However, critics argue that instead of preventing the plot, the FBI may have been complicit in setting it up.
Former FBI agent Steve Friend, now a whistleblower, explained the typical pattern used by the Bureau: identify a vulnerable person, gain their trust, and encourage them to participate in a plot they are incapable of executing on their own. Merchant, who reportedly offered only $5,000 for Trump’s assassination and had to travel to Boston to secure the funds, does not appear to be a seasoned operative. There is little evidence of his connection to the Iranian regime, aside from his family ties in Iran and Pakistan.
Furthermore, the FBI’s handling of Merchant raises concerns about its broader strategy. By allowing Merchant to enter the U.S. and spend several months in the country, some argue the FBI may have been fabricating the plot to enhance its own statistics and justify its actions. Friend suggests that, rather than disrupting a genuine threat, the FBI may have created one to claim credit for dismantling it.
This case bears similarities to the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, where it was revealed in court that much of the plan had been concocted by federal law enforcement. The real danger in such entrapment schemes, Friend argues, is that while Merchant may not have been capable of carrying out the assassination, mentally unstable individuals like him could still pose a risk to softer targets if emboldened by the FBI’s tactics.
In the end, the FBI’s involvement in facilitating this plot raises serious questions about its priorities and practices. While officials insist they were working to prevent a threat, critics argue that the Bureau’s actions may have actually created a new danger. Now, with growing concerns about the FBI’s role in such cases, the need for transparency and accountability has become more urgent than ever.
