Jesse Ventura, the ex-WWE performer and former governor of Minnesota, has questioned a key aspect of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, suggesting in an interview with Piers Morgan that it may have been ‘fake’.
Ventura has long been associated with conspiracy-focused claims, having previously fronted a television series called Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura. But his comments during the discussion still appeared to catch Morgan off guard, as Ventura compared the incident to what he called a ‘blade job’.
In professional wrestling, a ‘blade job’ refers to a performer deliberately cutting themselves—typically with a small blade—to produce blood and heighten the drama of a match by making injuries look worse than they are.
Ventura argued that the same idea could be applied to the shooting at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.
Trump was addressing supporters when a bullet caught his ear, grazing it as he turned toward a chart positioned beside him on stage. Secret Service agents rushed in as shots rang out, and Trump dropped down behind the lectern amid the chaos.
He later appeared at an event in Wisconsin wearing a bandage on his ear.
On Piers Morgan Uncensored, Morgan highlighted how Trump ‘got back up’ and projected defiance after being hit. Ventura dismissed that framing, replying: “Oh yeah right, right, right, you ever heard of a blade job?”
When Morgan pressed him on whether he believed the attempt was ‘fake’, Ventura added: “I don’t know, where’s his scar today?”
Ventura’s remarks mirror other unsubstantiated theories circulated online after the shooting, including claims it was ‘staged’ and allegations that Trump used a ‘blood pill’ to simulate bleeding.
Morgan responded by referencing that a former volunteer fire chief who was close to Trump at the rally died in the incident. Ventura pushed back, saying: “I don’t know, come on Piers, you’re going to tell me this guy’s a big hero now?”
When Morgan said he believed the victim was ‘on that day’, Ventura replied: “Then he accomplished what he wanted out of you guys.”
Morgan also asked what Ventura would say to Trump if they spoke directly. Ventura said he would rather avoid the conversation and criticized Trump’s character, stating: “He has no courage. He never has. There’s always one guy who will start the fight, and then hold your coat. That’s Donald Trump.”