Last night’s episode of NewsNight on CNN sparked major controversy after political commentator Touré made a provocative statement questioning whether former U.S. President Donald Trump was actually injured during the assassination attempt that took place in July 2024.
Touré said: “He supposedly got shot in the ear… but we never heard from his doctors.”
The comment ignited immediate tension in the studio, as analyst Scott Jennings interrupted him sharply, insisting that Trump was indeed shot. He pointed to photos and video footage showing Trump wearing a visible bandage on his ear during the Republican National Convention.
Host Abby Phillip stepped in to defuse the situation, affirming that the former president received prompt medical care after the incident and that there is documented evidence confirming the injury. However, Touré continued to highlight the absence of a detailed medical report, which some viewers interpreted as an unwarranted attempt to cast doubt on a verified event.
The assassination attempt occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, during a campaign rally. A sniper fired from a rooftop, hitting Trump in the right ear, killing one attendee and injuring two others. Despite the danger, Trump appeared before the crowd shortly after, raising his fist and clearly wearing a bandage on his ear.
Touré’s remarks drew widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing him of promoting conspiracy theories. Others defended his right to demand transparency, especially regarding the health of high-profile political figures.
The incident on CNN reflects the deep media and political divisions in the U.S., and raises important questions about the boundaries of free speech, the role of journalists, and the responsibility of commentators to avoid fueling misinformation.
Even a year after the assassination attempt, the event continues to shape public discourse—and the controversy surrounding it shows no signs of fading anytime soon.