Donald Trump sparks another

A new conspiracy theory about Donald Trump has spread online, with some social media users questioning whether the assassination attempt against him was real. They focused on recent photos of his ear, claiming it looked too healed.

The discussion started after Trump was seen wearing one of his red MAGA hats, with little visible damage to the ear that was injured during the July 2025 shooting. Trump later said he still feels occasional throbbing in that ear.

The attack happened during a rally in Pennsylvania when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a nearby rooftop using an AR-15-style rifle. One supporter was killed and two others were seriously injured.

Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service agent moments later. Trump survived after a bullet reportedly grazed his ear, and he was later seen wearing a bandage over the injury during public appearances.

Online critics compared before-and-after photos of Trump’s ear and argued there was no visible cartilage damage. Some claimed this was proof the shooting had been staged, saying ear cartilage does not naturally regrow.

Others pushed back against the theory, explaining that the wound may have only lightly broken the skin. Some also pointed out that advanced plastic surgery could easily repair visible damage, especially for someone with Trump’s resources.

Former White House physician Ronny Jackson said the injury caused heavy bleeding and swelling, but no stitches were needed. Other users noted that medical experts and the FBI had confirmed the injury, calling the conspiracy theory exaggerated and misleading.