Fact-Check Summary
Salena Zito’s new book, “BUTLER: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland,” is grounded in her first-hand experience as an eyewitness to the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident has been widely reported: a gunman named Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at Trump from a nearby rooftop, injuring Trump and others, and killing spectator Corey Comperatore before being neutralized by Secret Service. Zito was recognized for her proximity to the event and her reporting is supported by multiple verified sources. Trump’s endorsement of the book and its authenticity are also confirmed by third-party reviews and publisher summaries. The depiction of Zito as an “eyewitness” and the book’s focus on the resilience and significance of Trump’s movement in America’s heartland are accurate based on perplexity’s aggregated sources. The call to “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT” and references to “making America great again” reflect Trump’s typical rally rhetoric, which is documented in various news outlets. This post generally aligns with factual reporting, but carries a distinct partisan tone and framing.
Belief Alignment Analysis
The content acknowledges a violent attack on a political candidate and highlights the value of eyewitness reporting, supporting democratic transparency and free expression. However, the post’s rhetoric is intensely partisan and uses language (“unbreakable Spirit,” “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT,” “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN”) that fosters division and encourages a combative, us-versus-them mentality. Such framing can undermine inclusive democratic discourse and amplify polarization. While Zito’s book appears to give voice to rural Americans who are often overlooked in national narratives, the post places primary emphasis on the movement around Trump, inadvertently centering power around a single figure and dismissing the broader, pluralistic nature of democracy. Democratic values are best served by promoting civil engagement, factual dialogue, and mutual respect rather than glorifying political combative fervor.
Opinion
Firsthand accounts like Salena Zito’s are important to our understanding of pivotal moments in American history, and her proximity to the tragic events of July 13, 2024, lends credibility and depth to her reporting. However, the way this post leverages the book—and the assassination attempt itself—as a rallying point for one political movement is concerning. True patriotism is rooted in coming together after national trauma, not deepening “us versus them” divides. The focus should be on strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing security for all political leaders, and fostering honest public discourse—not just mobilizing one faction to perpetual struggle. Amplifying combative rhetoric in the wake of political violence risks further erosion of democratic norms and unity. Zito’s work should be read as part of a broader conversation about healing and reform, not a call to arms.
TLDR
Salena Zito’s “BUTLER” offers an eyewitness account of the Trump assassination attempt and provides valuable context on the political importance of America’s heartland. However, Trump’s social media promotion of the book uses divisive language and frames the event almost exclusively through the lens of his own movement. While the book is factually credible, calls to “fight” and exclusionary rhetoric threaten democratic values. The event should inspire unity, institutional reform, and inclusive public debate—not renewed partisan conflict.
Claim: Salena Zito has written a book as an eyewitness to the near assassination of Donald Trump, capturing the spirit of the “Make America Great Again” movement and urging supporters to keep fighting for America’s future.
Fact: The book “BUTLER” is a factual, firsthand account of the July 13, 2024, Trump assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Zito was present, and her reporting is corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The book discusses not just the incident, but also Trump’s political strategy and relationship with the American heartland.
Opinion: While Salena Zito’s account is valuable for preserving the historical record, the social media post uses combative language that could deepen political divisions. American democracy is best served by honest witness, institutional trust, and inclusion—not by rallying only one group against the rest. The nation’s response to political violence should focus on collective healing and upholding democratic principles.