Inside the Perimeter: Salena Zito on the President’s Security Concerns & Butler Lessons

In this episode of the Brian Kilmeade Show, guest Selena Zito, national political reporter and author of *Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump*, discusses the recent security breach at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Zito reflects on the chaotic aftermath of the attempted assassination, emphasizing the lack of coordination between the Secret Service and local authorities, the vulnerability of the event space, and the emotional toll on key figures like Susie Wiles and the Trump family. She highlights the contrast between the president’s composure during the crisis and the disarray in planning, underscoring a deeper cultural and political instability rooted in rapid technological and societal change. Zito also addresses internal White House tensions, particularly between the vice president’s office and senior advisors like Pete Hegseth, suggesting potential leaks aimed at sowing division. She dismisses media narratives about U.S. humiliation in foreign policy, arguing instead that the Trump administration is pursuing a disciplined, evidence-based strategy—especially regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional aggression—while maintaining strategic patience and resolve.