‘Could have used this in Butler!’ Trump makes unexpected joke after receiving gift

President Donald Trump made an unexpected joke after receiving a firefighter’s helmet during a ceremony honoring first responders at the White House.

The moment came as Trump was wrapping up his remarks in the Rose Garden and invited Steve Hirsch, chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council, to the podium.

Hirsch presented Trump with a personalized firefighter’s helmet on behalf of the nation’s roughly 750,000 volunteer firefighters, explaining that the gift was intended as a symbol of protection.

“These are citizens who responded from their homes at night,” Hirsch said. “They respond from their businesses during the day to protect their neighbors when their neighbors need help the most.”

Hirsch then offered a message to the president.

“So while this helmet protects us in a fire or a wreck, we want it to protect you,” he said. “We want God to wrap his protective arm around you and use this helmet.”

But Trump quickly turned the touching moment into a joke about the attempt on his life.

“You know, as he’s talking, I said, ‘I could have used this in Butler,’” Trump said. “This would have been very helpful. I mean, I wish you gave it to me a little bit earlier.”

Trump was referring to the July 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman’s bullet grazed his right ear.

“Anyway, thank you very much, Steve. That’s beautiful,” Trump added before setting the helmet aside and beginning a Rose Garden luncheon.