Donald Trump made a triumphant entrance during the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday, just two days after an assassination attempt grazed his right ear. The former president received a raucous ovation from the party faithful as he walked into the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee with a thick bandage over his ear. The crowd chanted “Fight! Fight! Fight” in reference to his reaction moments after the attack.
Trump mouthed “Thank you” and settled into a box with some of his children and U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, whom he announced earlier in the day as his running mate. Trump is set to formally accept the party’s nomination in a prime-time speech on Thursday, facing Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 5 election.
The four-day convention began less than 48 hours after a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one supporter. The gunman was shot dead, and his motive remains unclear.
During Monday’s session, six everyday Americans spoke about the impact of inflation on lower and middle-income families, while Republican leaders criticised the Biden administration as being out of touch. Senator Tim Scott, who briefly ran against Trump for the nomination, said divine intervention spared Trump’s life, declaring, “Our God still saves.”
Vance, 39, a former Trump critic turned staunch defender, joined Trump at the convention. Popular with Trump’s core supporters, Vance’s conservative stance on issues like abortion could potentially alienate moderate voters. After Trump’s announcement, Vance and his wife Usha were warmly received by delegates. He is scheduled to address the convention on Wednesday.
