On May 30, President Trump took to Truth Social to throw his weight behind acclaimed journalist Salena Zito’s forthcoming book, Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland.
Earlier today, he reiterated his endorsement of Zito’s book on the same platform.
The publisher describes the book on its pre-order webpage:
“Salena Zito is the journalist who knows Trump—and his voters—better than anyone.” – The Free Press
From her vantage point just feet away from the stage when the gunfire erupted, Zito delivers a riveting first-person account of the near-assassination of Donald Trump, coupled with the intricate narrative of his heartland-driven electoral success.
Had the winds shifted slightly or the timing of the shooter’s actions differed, America might have faced chaos—perhaps even civil strife. Invited by the president for an exclusive interview at the Butler Farm Show Grounds, Zito was remarkably close to the podium when the shots rang out, leading a campaign staffer to drag her to safety.
Unfazed, Zito continued to report, maintaining communication with Trump in the immediate aftermath and gaining access to various community members, rally attendees, and local law enforcement. “I rarely look away from the crowd,” Trump remarked during one of their conversations. “Had I not done that in that moment, well, we would not be talking today, would we?”
With a reputation for insightful journalism focused on populism and rural America, Zito broadens her lens to explore the intense dynamics at play in America’s heartland, illustrating the real issues that drive voter sentiment. To unpack the reasons behind Trump’s 2024 victory, one must pay heed to places like Butler, as urban centers like Los Angeles, New York, and D.C. don’t hold the keys to electoral outcomes—cities like Butler do. Trump granted Zito remarkable access for this work, allowing her to engage with key aides, his running mate JD Vance, billionaire supporter Elon Musk, and even his security personnel.
Some moments shape the nation’s narrative, and the events of July 13, 2024, were certainly among them. This book chronicles that pivotal day, the heartland’s populace, and the untold story of how the president reconnected with the electorate.
Familiar faces may recognize Salena Zito from her feature in Tucker Carlson Network’s 2024 miniseries, Art of the Surge.
The Trump campaign provided exclusive access to the production team from Tucker Carlson Network, kicking off with Trump’s groundbreaking debate performance against Joe Biden in June 2024.
By the second episode of Art of the Surge, the Carlson Network crew had already embedded themselves within the Trump campaign, capturing unprecedented footage of the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Episode two, titled “In The Bullseye,” highlights Zito’s distinctive reporting style and her rapport with President Trump.
Clearly, with her commitment to primary source journalism, Salena Zito has crafted a thorough account of Trump’s survival of an assassination attempt and its wider implications.
