Man Charged in Assassination Plot Cites Trump, Biden, Haley as Possible Targets

Asif Merchant says his actions were driven by fear for loved ones in Iran

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Asif Merchant, a Pakistani businessman, is on trial in New York for an alleged 2024 assassination plot targeting U.S. politicians including former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Merchant claims he was coerced by Iran's Revolutionary Guard and had no intention of carrying out the killings, but instead hoped to get arrested and cooperate with authorities to obtain a green card.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of foreign actors attempting to interfere in U.S. politics and target American leaders. It also raises questions about the extent of Iran's alleged efforts to undermine U.S. security and the challenges of combating such threats.

The details

Merchant, a 47-year-old Pakistani businessman, testified that he was introduced to a Revolutionary Guard intelligence operative in late 2022 who trained him on countersurveillance techniques. The handler then instructed Merchant to find U.S. residents interested in working for Iran, including potentially arranging protests, theft, money laundering, and even murder. Merchant claims the handler named Trump, Biden, and Haley as possible targets. Merchant said he 'had no other option' than to play along because the handler threatened his relatives in Iran. However, the supposed hit men Merchant paid were actually undercover FBI agents, and he was arrested in July 2024, a day before an unrelated attempt on Trump's life.

  • In late 2022, Merchant was introduced to a Revolutionary Guard intelligence operative.
  • In April 2024, U.S. immigration agents pulled Merchant aside at the Houston airport, searched his possessions, and asked about his travels to Iran.
  • On July 12, 2024, Merchant was arrested.

The players

Asif Merchant

A 47-year-old Pakistani businessman who is on trial for an alleged 2024 assassination plot targeting U.S. politicians.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States and one of the alleged targets of Merchant's plot.

Joe Biden

The current President of the United States and one of the alleged targets of Merchant's plot.

Nikki Haley

The former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and one of the alleged targets of Merchant's plot.

Revolutionary Guard

Iran's powerful paramilitary force that Merchant claims coerced him into the alleged assassination plot.

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What they’re saying

“My family was under threat, and I had to do this. I was not wanting to do this so willingly.”

— Asif Merchant, Defendant (nbcnews.com)

“You traveled to the United States for the purpose of hiring Mafia members to kill a politician, correct?”

— Nina Gupta, Assistant U.S. Attorney (nbcnews.com)

“That's right.”

— Asif Merchant, Defendant (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Merchant out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of foreign actors attempting to interfere in U.S. politics and target American leaders, as well as the challenges of combating such threats. It also raises questions about the extent of Iran's alleged efforts to undermine U.S. security.