‘Fight’ cries greeted Trump first public appearance after he had his ear bandaged
Two days after surviving an assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump made a triumphant appearance at the opening night of the Republican National Convention, sporting a bandage over his right ear. This added another dramatic moment to an already eventful presidential campaign.
GOP delegates erupted in cheers when Trump was shown backstage on screen before he emerged in the arena, visibly emotional, as Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA.” This appearance came just hours after the convention officially nominated Trump to lead the Republican ticket in the November election against President Joe Biden.
Accompanied by a wall of Secret Service agents, Trump did not address the audience — his acceptance speech was scheduled for Thursday — but he smiled silently and occasionally waved as Greenwood sang. He eventually joined his newly announced running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, to listen to the remaining speeches of the night. Trump often appeared subdued and had muted reactions, which was uncharacteristic for the typically unabashed showman.
The boisterous reception underscored the depth of the crowd’s affection for the man who clinched the 2016 nomination as an outsider, challenging the party establishment, and has since defeated all Republican rivals, quelling most conservative critics to now command unwavering loyalty across party ranks.
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“We must unify as a party and as a nation,” declared Michael Whatley, the Republican Party Chairman handpicked by Trump, opening Monday’s prime-time session at the national convention. “We must embody the same strength and resilience as President Trump and guide this nation towards a brighter future.”
However, Whatley and other Republican leaders emphasized that their calls for unity did not extend to Biden and the Democrats, portraying them as a significant threat to America’s institutions, values, and citizens. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, hosting the convention in his battleground state, which Trump won in 2016 but lost to Biden in the last election, voiced these concerns.
While the recent shooting incident at a Pennsylvania rally, where Trump was injured and one person died, lingered in thoughts, the convention proceedings were celebratory—a sharp contrast to the tension and unease of previous days. Some delegates chanted “fight, fight, fight”—echoing Trump’s rallying cry during Saturday’s incident—as they cheered and waved Trump signs.
“Given recent events, we should all be grateful that we can cast our votes for President Donald J. Trump today,” remarked New Jersey state Sen. Michael Testa, announcing his state’s unanimous support for all 12 delegates.
Amidst applause and “Make America Great Again” signs, the arena erupted in celebration when Trump surpassed the required delegate count, with screens proclaiming “OVER THE TOP” and the song “Celebration” playing as delegates danced.
