During a White House event on Monday honoring “Angel Families,” President Donald Trump spoke candidly about ongoing concerns for his safety, suggesting that assassination attempts against him reflect his impact as a national leader.
The ceremony, held alongside families of Americans killed in crimes involving undocumented immigrants, marked his announcement that February 22 will now be recognized as “Angel Family Day.” The date is intended to commemorate U.S. citizens who lost their lives in such cases an issue that has remained central to Trump’s 2024 campaign and his second term in office.
Trump, who survived a 2024 assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, referenced the threats against him while addressing attendees. He remarked that historically, highly influential presidents have often been targeted, mentioning Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy as examples. In a lighter moment, he joked about possibly being “a little less consequential” and playfully asked Border Czar Tom Homan whether they could “slow things down” for a while.
At another point, Trump acknowledged the risks of public life, telling the audience, “I don’t know how long I’ll be around. Got a lot of people gunning for me, don’t I?”
The event came just one day before his anticipated State of the Union address, where immigration policy and border enforcement are expected to be key themes.
Among those honored was Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was killed while jogging on February 22, 2024. A Venezuelan national, Jose Ibarra, was later convicted of her murder in January. Riley’s death played a significant role in shaping the newly designated Angel Family Day.
Earlier this term, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. The legislation requires that non-citizens arrested and charged with certain crimes be held in federal detention without bond. Supporters argue the measure is aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
A White House official described Monday’s vigil as a solemn occasion underscoring the administration’s commitment to continuing deportations of individuals convicted of serious crimes. Senior officials in attendance included Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Tom Homan, along with numerous Angel Family members.
In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is committed to strengthening border security, enforcing immigration laws, and delivering accountability for affected families. She emphasized that signing the Laken Riley Act was intended to help prevent further loss of innocent life and honor those remembered at the ceremony.
The president also recognized other victims, including Katie Abraham, Rachel Morin, and Kayla Hamilton. Abraham, 20, was killed in Illinois in 2025 in a drunk-driving crash involving a Guatemalan national. Morin, 24, was killed while hiking in Maryland in 2023. Hamilton, 19, was raped and murdered in Maryland in 2022. Their families joined others at the event to commemorate their loved ones.
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