Alleged Iran-backed terrorist plotted to kill Trump with vape device

Asif Merchant, a 47-year-old Pakistani national, was caught on camera describing his plan to assassinate the former president for just $5,000

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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An alleged Iran-backed terrorist named Asif Merchant was caught on camera describing his bizarre plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump by placing a vape device on a napkin to represent his 'target.' Merchant believed he could hire two men for just $5,000 to carry out the hit, but the FBI had been investigating him and the would-be assassins were actually undercover agents. Merchant was arrested as he tried to flee the country after paying the 'hitmen' their initial $5,000 advance.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of Iran-backed terrorism targeting high-profile U.S. political figures, even years after Trump's presidency. It also raises concerns about the ease with which individuals can allegedly plot assassinations and the challenges law enforcement faces in disrupting such schemes.

The details

According to the video footage played in court, Merchant met with an FBI informant posing as a recruit and described his plan in detail. He placed a vape device on a napkin, saying 'This is the target. How will it die?' Merchant believed he could hire two men to carry out the assassination for just $5,000 upfront. He also discussed plans to steal government documents and target other individuals 'hurting Pakistan and the Muslim world.' However, the FBI had been investigating Merchant and the 'hitmen' were actually undercover agents. Merchant was arrested in July 2024 as he tried to flee the country after paying the initial $5,000 to the undercover agents.

  • On June 4, 2024, Merchant met with the FBI informant and described his assassination plot.
  • In July 2024, Merchant was arrested as he tried to leave the country after paying the $5,000 advance to the undercover agents.

The players

Asif Merchant

A 47-year-old Pakistani national who is accused of being an Iran-backed terrorist and plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump for just $5,000.

Nadeem Ali

The FBI informant who posed as a recruit and worked with Merchant on the assassination plot, before contacting law enforcement.

Donald Trump

The former president who was allegedly the target of Merchant's assassination plot.

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What they’re saying

“This is the target. How will it die?”

— Asif Merchant

“Look, to kill this one from here is very easy.”

— Asif Merchant

“This is not a one-time job. The work will continue.”

— Asif Merchant

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Asif Merchant out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of Iran-backed terrorism targeting high-profile U.S. political figures, even years after Trump's presidency, and the challenges law enforcement faces in disrupting such schemes.