Trump Surprises at RNC Days After Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump made a dramatic return to the political spotlight on Monday evening, making an unexpected appearance at the Republican National Convention just days after surviving an assassination attempt. The appearance came just hours after the Republican Party officially nominated him for president.

Trump arrived at the Fiserv Arena in Milwaukee around 9 p.m. CT with a visible bandage on his right ear, covering a bullet wound sustained during the attack. His entrance was marked by a mix of somber and triumphant tones as he took his seat between his vice-presidential pick, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, and Representative Byron Donalds of Florida.

The former president’s appearance came before planned speeches by celebrity Amber Rose and Teamsters President Sean O’Brien. The convention began with a contentious start, as Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene delivered speeches with controversial statements. Johnson criticized the participation of “biological males” in women’s sports and condemned what he described as the “sexualization and indoctrination of our children.” Greene echoed his sentiments, emphasizing her view that there are only two genders.

On Monday afternoon, the Republican Party officially nominated Trump for the presidential race. This formal nomination followed his dominant performance in the primaries, which secured his position as the party’s candidate on March 12. Earlier in the day, Trump used Truth Social to announce Vance as his running mate, a decision that was later ratified by the GOP.

The convention schedule features Trump delivering a keynote speech on Thursday, with Vance slated to speak on Wednesday. The day’s events were organized around the theme “Make America Wealthy Once Again,” reflecting the broader agenda of the convention.

Additional speakers scheduled for Monday included former presidential candidate Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina, Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas, Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, and Turning Point USA Executive Director Charlie Kirk.

Trump’s decision to attend the convention was influenced by the recent assassination attempt that occurred two days prior at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack saw a gunman fire at Trump, grazing his right ear and resulting in the death of an audience member. Despite considering a delay in his travel plans, Trump chose to proceed as scheduled, asserting that he would not let the threat of violence dictate his movements. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed his resolve to not be intimidated by what he referred to as an “assassin” trying to disrupt his plans.

The attack on Trump has also highlighted a rare moment of bipartisan unity, with lawmakers from both parties condemning political violence in response to the incident. The shooting has injected a new dynamic into the 2024 presidential race, as Trump’s poll numbers have seen an upswing following his debate with President Joe Biden on June 27. This increase in support comes amidst growing calls within Biden’s own party for him to reconsider his candidacy.

Adding to Trump’s sense of vindication, a recent court ruling favored him when Florida-based federal Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the Justice Department’s classified documents case against him. The ruling criticized the agency for appointing special prosecutor Jack Smith without the requisite approval from Congress or the president, marking a significant legal victory for Trump.

As the convention unfolds, Trump’s unexpected appearance has further energized his base and underscored his resilience in the face of adversity. The coming days are likely to showcase more intense debates and strategic positioning as the 2024 presidential race continues to heat up.