Resilient Trump stands unshaken in 1st speech since shooting despite reliving horror of being ‘quarter inch from death’

DONALD Trump appeared unshaken on Thursday night as he spoke for the first time since being shot in the ear by a would-be assassin.

The former president said he "shouldn't be here" as he addressed the crowd on the final night of the Republican National Convention, days after the attempt to take his life at a rally in Pennsylvania.

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Emotions ran high in the build up to the landmark address, in which Trump described himself as being a "quarter inch from death." 

Just moments before the former president took to the stage, his son Eric described seeing the blood on his face when the shooter opened fire.

Trump was then welcomed on stage to a standing ovation, going on to accept the nomination as the Republican candidate for president and outlining his message for re-election.

"We rise together or we fall apart," he told the crowd.

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HELLO JOE?

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"I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America.

It comes as...

• Melania gives royal wave as she enters RNC
• Moment Hulk Hogan rips off shirt during speech
• Kid Rock called out for ‘lip syncing’
• Obama u-turns … Biden could drop out of race by the weekend
• Covid-stricken Biden walks slowly from Air Force One
• Hunter on other side of country despite Joe’s illness
• Donald’s granddaughter Kai becomes breakout star of RNC
• Trump shooter’s motive still unknown
• Dems accused of ‘slitting their own throats by airing dirty laundry’
• ‘Writing is on the wall’ for Joe, says ex-Obama aide

"There is no victory in winning for half of America. So tonight with faith and devotion I proudly accept your nomination for president of the United States."

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Trump went on to describe in detail the moment he was shot, setting the scene as a warm Saturday in Pennsylvania.

He recalled discussing his administration's work at the Southern border when he turned to look at a screen behind him.

Trump demonstrated his turn when he felt "something" hit him "really really hard" on his right ear.

"I said to myself 'Wow what was that?' It could only be a bullet," he said.

He described "blood all over the place" and recalled feeling the urgency of the moment.

Trump then thanked the Secret Service and said that even though there was "blood pouring everywhere" he felt safe because he had "God" on his side.

"If I had not moved my head at that moment, the assassin's bullet would've hit its mark," he told the crowd.

The 2024 hopeful then honored volunteer firefighter, Corey Comperatore, who lost his life in the shooting.

He asked the crowd to join him in a moment of silence for the heroic dad and kissed a firefighter helmet on stage.

TRUMP'S PROMISES

During the 92-minute speech, Trump thanked those who had spoken before him, including his son Eric, Kid Rock, and Dana White.

He was also quick to praise his running mate JD Vance, insisting, "He's going to be a great vice president. JD you're going to be doing this for a long time, enjoy the ride."

While he avoided Biden by name, Trump called on voters to "rescue the nation" from "incompetent leadership" and stressed the importance of the upcoming election.

If I had not moved my head at that moment, the assassin's bullet would've hit its mark.

Donald Trump RNC Address

He also outlined a number of his policies, emphasizing the importance to clamp down on illegal immigration and tighten the borders.

"Our planet is teetering on the edge of World War III," Trump said, referring to the war between Israel and Hamas.

He promised that if elected, he would bring down the cost of energy, work to decrease prices, implement tax cuts, finish building the wall, end the war in Ukraine, impose tariffs on Iran, secure the Southern border, "beat" China, and ease inflation.

"So tonight, whether you've supported me in the past, I hope you will support me in the future because I will bring back the American Dream," he continued.

"With great humility - I ask you to be excited about the future of our country... be excited!"

Trump added that Republicans have adopted a new agenda and called for voters to turn the House of Representatives red.

He then pledged to end the electric vehicle mandate on the first day of his presidency.

When addressing his economic policies, Trump promised "no tax on tips," which received resounding applause.

He then claimed he had created the "strongest border in American history" during his time in office and reiterated the main theme of the RNC - tackling illegal immigration.

He displayed a chart on illegal immigration, the same one he showed at his campaign rally before a gunshot grazed his ear.

"Last time I put up that chart I didn't really get to look at it,"  Trump joked, referring to his attempted assassination.

Trump claimed that he was the "first president in modern times to start no new wars."

He also made clear his stance on Russia, Iran, and China, reiterating the America-first mentality that has defined his re-election campaign.

Trump then bragged that he could "end wars with a phone call."

"To conclude - just a few short days ago my journey with you nearly ended," he continued.

"We live in a world of miracles, none of us know God's plan or where the future will take us."

Trump ended his speech by chanting "win" with the audience and emphasized a message of confidence.

President Biden's campaign adviser was quick to hit back, telling CNN that Trump was "playing the greatest hits from 2016."

“No plan for the future. Exactly what people hate about politicians,” the adviser said.

"Also no appeal to moderates."

The chair for the Biden-Harris campaign, Jen O'Malley Dillon, went on to release a statement that read, "Tonight, Donald Trump rambled on for well over an hour and failed to mention Project 2025 even once.

"He sought to provide problems with America, not to provide solutions. But after all, it was Donald Trump who destroyed our economy, ripped away rights, and failed middle-class families," the statement continued.

The statement added that Trump failed to mention overturning Roe v. Wade and his plan to pardon January 6 insurrectionists.

The Biden-Harris campaign also said that Trump is pursuing an "even more extreme vision for where he wants to take this country."

"President Biden is running on a different vision. He's running for an America where we defend democracy, not diminish it," the statement added.

The campaign outlined Biden's vision for America as one where human rights are restored and freedoms are protected.

"President Biden is more determined than ever to defeat Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda in November," concluded the campaign.

Project 2025 is a plan outlined by the conservative organization, The Heritage Foundation, which seeks to implement a far-right political agenda.

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ERIC'S SPEECH

Trump spoke after his son Eric gave a fiery speech describing the moment he heard his father was shot.

Donald Trump sat with his family and held his four-year-old granddaughter, Carolina, while Eric appeared emotional as he gave the remarks.

Toward the end of his speech, Eric directed his attention to his father, saying that their family "held their breath" as they saw "blood pour across his face."

"The whole world saw your strength as you stood up and wiped blood across your face," Eric said, describing the assassination attempt as one of the most "courageous" moments in American politics.

Eric also discussed Trump's upbringing and praised his administration.

"My father saw potential when others saw disparity," Eric began his speech, adding that his father, "built the New York City skyline."

"My father has been censored. The former president ripped off Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. My father has been persecuted," he added.

He went on to discuss illegal immigration, reiterating a common theme discussed throughout the RNC.

"Your government can do so much better - and it will," he said.

He ended his speech with a call to voters and a promise that Trump would "Make America Great Again."

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DANA AND KID ROCK SET THE STAGE

Kid Rock later took to the stage to hype up the crowd before Dana White and Trump were due to arrive.

Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, was given the honor of introducing the former president.

White and Trump are longtime friends, and the UFC tycoon is a strong supporter of Trump's presidency.

Dana said that Trump "truly cares about people," and cited the former president's concern with interrupting Dana's family vacation for the RNC.

"Nobody in the Trump campaign has ever told me what to say. Nobody tells me what to say," he added.

He said that Trump was "the toughest, most resilient human being," he's ever met in his life.

"I know President Trump is literally putting his life on the line for something bigger than himself," Dana said.

"He loves this country. And I know he wants what's best for the American people. I know he's running for president to save our American Dream."

White concluded his speech with an enthusiastic endorsement, "America needs a strong leader and the world needs a strong American. Donald Trump is the best choice.

"My fellow Americans it is my honor to introduce the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump."

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FAMILY SUPPORT

The Trumps have presented a united front for the former president's campaign and have reiterated the theme of family values throughout the RNC.

Trump's granddaughter, Kai Madison, took the stage at the RNC on Wednesday night to praise her grandfather.

Kai, 17, is the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and the former president's eldest grandchild.

Her father, who has also been active in the former president's re-election campaign, introduced her and told the crowd that she asked to speak after Trump's attempted assassination.

"To me, he's just a normal grandpa," Kai told the crowd.

"A lot of people have put my grandpa through hell and he's still standing," she continued.

Eric's wife and Kai's aunt, Lara, also gave a rousing speech on the first day of the RNC.

Lara was named the co-chair of the RNC and has been vocal on the campaign trail for her father-in-law.

"There's no doubt that Saturday was one of the most frightening moments of my father-in-law's life. Millimeters separated him from life and certain death," Lara told the RNC attendees.

She addressed the assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally and painted her father-in-law as a defiant political hero.

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RED UNITY

In addition to Trump's family, prominent Republicans are also rallying behind the former president's re-election campaign.

Former UN Ambassador and presidential candidate, Nikki Haley endorsed Trump on the second day of the RNC - a move that shocked many following her campaign.

Nikki was a strong critic of Trump during the primary election cycle but opted to support him in the general election.

Republican National Convention Roundup

Republican voters and lawmakers stood united as they gathered at the Republican National Convention to formally announce Donald Trump as the party's presidential candidate.

Day one of the RNC:

• Over 2,000 Republican delegates descended onto Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum the week of July 15, 2024, to officially recognize Donald Trump as their presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
• GOP representatives of each state pledged their delegates to Trump.
• As delegates were voting, Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post that he chose Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate for the 2024 election.
• Vance, 39, who was present at the conference, took the stage after the roll call and received a standing ovation from his GOP constituents.
• Later that evening, Trump made his first public appearance since surviving an attempted assassination at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennslyvania, on July 13, 2024.
• An emotional Trump was met with massive applause as he made his way to the stage to join his vice president nominee, sons Don. Jr. and Eric, and fellow Republicans.
• Trump was pictured wearing a bandage on his right ear after a bullet from an AR-15-style rifle tore a piece of his ear days prior.

Day two of the RNC:

• The Republican Party stood united during day two of the RNC, praising their presidential candidate with support and admiration.
• GOP leaders praised law enforcement, border security, and public safety while ripping the Biden administration.
• Trump's most prominent primary challengers, including Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, aligned with the former president's policies while seemingly rescinding their previous statements about Trump.
• "I haven't always agreed with Trump. But we agree more often than we disagree," Haley said, adding that Trump asked her to speak at the conference.
• "President Trump asked me to speak at this convention in the name of unity. It was a gracious invitation, and I was happy to accept."
• Florida Governor DeSantis, who Trump has previously called Ron DeSanctimonious, expressed full support for the former president.
• "Donald Trump has been demonized, he's been sued, he's been prosecuted, and he's almost lost his life. We cannot let him down, and we cannot let America down," DeSantis said.
• The Florida governor and former presidential candidate added, "We need a commander-in-chief who can lead 24 hours a day and seven days a week. America can not afford four more years of a 'Weekend at Bernie's presidency."
• Other GOP heavyweights such as Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Sara Huckabee Sanders, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Ben Carson pledged their support for Trump.

Day three of the RNC:

• The Republican National Convention was introduced to Trump's running mate, JD Vance, who delivered a passionate speech to attendees.
• A lively crowd welcomed Vance with applause and a chant of "JD, JD."
• "We need a leader who is not in the pocket of big business but answers to the working man, union and nonunion alike," Vance said about Trump.
• "A leader who won't sell out to multinational corporations but will stand up for American companies and American industry."
• Trump's granddaughter, Kai Trump, briefly addressed the RNC crowd during night three of the four-day event.

The former South Carolina Governor admitted that she didn't always agree with Trump, but added, "President Trump asked me to speak to this convention in the name of unity.

"It was a gracious invitation and I was happy to accept."

Former presidential candidates Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy also rallied the crowd at the RNC in support of Trump.

ASSASSINATION QUESTIONS LOOM

The RNC kicked off just two days after an assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

A bullet grazed Trump's ear and he fell to the ground before the Secret Service ushered him off stage.

Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified as the gunman, but questions still loom over his motive.

FBI agents have launched a case into the assassination and have reportedly found images of Trump and President Biden on the gunman's phone.

The New York Times also reported searches of an unnamed member of the Royal Family on Crooks' phone.

Footage has also recently emerged of the gunman walking near the rally just an hour before opening fire.

An attendee turned over footage of the crowd which included Crooks walking behind a screen at the rally.

Crooks was positioned on a nearby rooftop about 430 feet away from the stage.

Secret Service snipers shot and killed him 26 seconds after he opened fire.

Law enforcement spotted him just minutes before he fired his first shots.

Secret Service has taken heat for the incident, resulting in calls for director Kimberly Cheatle to step down.

ON THE DEM SIDE

While Republicans are in Milwaukee to formally tap Trump as the presidential nominee, Democrats seem divided over supporting Biden's re-election campaign.

After Biden and Trump's first presidential debate, discussions began on the possibility of Biden dropping out of the race.

Representative Lloyd Doggett was the first lawmaker to publicly call for Biden to step aside, and nearly 20 members of Congress have since joined him.

Prominent Democrats are also reportedly having those conversations behind closed doors, with several sources close to the president telling Axios that they don't think he can win against Trump in November.

Sources also told ABC News that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are considering delaying the Democrat nomination process.

A spokesperson for Schumer responded to the report with a statement saying the senator had already conveyed his views directly to Biden.

CNN has also reported that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had a conversation with Biden over negative polling and her concern that Democrats will lose their bid for the House if he stays in the race.

The most recent report comes from former President Obama, who told allies that Biden's "path to victory has greatly diminished and he thinks the president needs to seriously consider the viability of his candidacy," according to the Washington Post.

The concerns come as Biden announced on Wednesday that he was diagnosed with Covid-19 and had to cancel campaign events in the battleground state of Nevada.

Trump's camp is capitalizing on the Democratic divide, with his co-campaign manager speculating that Democrats are staging a "coup" against Biden.

"They are actively engaged in an attempt – in my view and a lot of people share this view – in deposing the president of the United States," Chris LaCivita told Politico.

The Democrats must secure their plan and message by the Democratic National Convention, which is set to start on August 19 in Chicago, Illinois.

The Republicans have rallied around their message at the RNC, expressing support for Trump and echoing policies on strict immigration and an America-first mentality.

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Trump is anticipated to angle his speech on unity and outline his message ahead of the general election.

He reportedly ripped up his speech after the assassination attempt to focus more on unity and will not mention Biden by name.

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