In a dramatic first public appearance since surviving an assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump entered the Republican convention hall in Milwaukee to thunderous applause. With his right ear bandaged, Trump raised his fist in defiance, receiving a warm welcome from supporters who sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” led by singer Lee Greenwood. Accompanied by family, new running mate JD Vance, Tucker Carlson, and Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, Trump acknowledged the crowd’s chants of “USA” with a subdued demeanor.
During the evening, Trump expressed gratitude as rapper and TV personality Amber Rose encouraged Americans to vote for him. After the program, he greeted attendees as he exited the arena. Following the Saturday shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump had been out of public view but remained active behind the scenes, taking calls from President Joe Biden and global leaders, and reflecting on his narrow escape.
In interviews with conservative outlets, Trump remarked on his survival, stating, “I’m supposed to be dead.” This sentiment was echoed by his supporters at the convention. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene thanked divine intervention for saving Trump, while Sen. Tim Scott depicted the incident as a biblical battle, praising Trump’s resilience.
A source close to Trump described his mood as contemplative, suggesting that the attack had given him a new perspective on life. Trump’s aides were busy rewriting his speech for the convention, shifting from an aggressive tone to a more unifying message. “Now, we have a speech that is more unifying,” Trump shared with the Washington Examiner.
In the wake of the attack, Trump received an outpouring of support from both national and international figures. Biden’s call to Trump was described as “very cordial,” with the President expressing concern for Trump’s well-being. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and numerous Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, also reached out. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with Trump to discuss national unity, despite remaining in the presidential race.
As Trump arrived in Wisconsin for the convention, he reiterated his commitment to “Uniting our Nation,” while also condemning the legal challenges he faces as politically motivated attacks. A federal judge’s decision to dismiss the indictment against him for mishandling classified documents further bolstered his position.
Wisconsin Republican Party Chair Brian Schimming expressed hope that Trump would use the tragic event to call for national unity. Schimming anticipated that Trump’s speech would reflect on recent events and emphasize the importance of coming together as a nation.