Donald Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention on Thursday, confidently proclaiming he will secure an “incredible victory” in the upcoming US presidential election in November. Accepting the Republican presidential nomination in Milwaukee, Trump addressed a party buoyed by his survival from an assassination attempt and the perceived decline of Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
“Four months from now, we will have an incredible victory,” Trump declared to the cheering crowd. He promised to “be president for all of America, not half of America.”
This marked Trump’s first speech since surviving an attack by a 20-year-old gunman at a rally last weekend, resulting in a minor ear injury for Trump but tragically killing a bystander.
Recalling the harrowing incident, Trump said, “There was blood pouring everywhere, and yet, in a certain way, I felt very safe because I had God on my side.” He described narrowly avoiding the assassin’s bullet by moving his head at the last moment. “If I had not moved my head at the very last instant, the assassin’s bullet would have perfectly hit its mark, and I would not be with you tonight.”
Expressing gratitude for his survival, Trump added, “I am not supposed to be here tonight. I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of almighty God. Many people say it was a providential moment.”
Trump continued to emphasize unity, stating, “I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America,” while still sporting a bandage over his ear.
Chants of “USA” Fill the Arena
The crowd greeted Trump with chants of “USA,” reflecting the fervent support he has garnered. The event featured warm-up acts like 1980s wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and far-right media personality Tucker Carlson, who described Trump’s survival as a historic moment.
Carlson remarked that the assassination attempt elevated Trump to the role of “leader of a nation.”
Despite a tumultuous past, including attempts to overturn the 2020 election and 34 felony convictions in May, Trump, 78, appears more confident than ever about a possible return to power.
Joe Biden Teeters on the Edge
Meanwhile, Joe Biden, 81, faces increasing pressure from within his Democratic Party to step aside in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris or another candidate due to concerns about his health and its impact on the election.
Senior Trump advisor Jason Miller told AFP that “nothing fundamentally changes” for Trump if Biden withdraws.
Trump’s family was also present at the convention, with his son Eric energizing the crowd with chants of “fight, fight, fight!” Melania Trump, although largely absent from the campaign, arrived to applause but did not speak, breaking from the tradition of spouses addressing such events.