Donald Trump officially accepted the Republican presidential nomination on Thursday, projecting confidence in an “incredible victory” at the Republican National Convention held in Milwaukee. The event was marked by an air of euphoria from his supporters, buoyed by Trump’s recent survival of an assassination attempt and the apparent implosion of Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
“We will have an incredible victory, and we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country,” Trump, 78, declared. This speech marked his return to the public eye after a harrowing incident last weekend where a 20-year-old man shot at him, causing a minor injury to his ear and tragically killing a bystander, firefighter Corey Comperatore.
Trump’s speech was emotionally charged as he recounted the assassination attempt, attributing his survival to divine intervention. He honored the fallen firefighter with a moment of silence, kissing Comperatore’s helmet on stage, which brought a solemn hush over the crowd.
The atmosphere at the convention was fervent, with attendees chanting “USA” as Trump took the stage. The event featured notable figures such as 1980s wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and far-right media personality Tucker Carlson, who described Trump’s survival as a historic moment that solidified his leadership.
Despite initial promises of a more unifying speech, Trump quickly reverted to his familiar rhetoric, painting a dire picture of America under current leadership. He vowed to complete the border wall with Mexico, depicting an “invasion” of immigrants that has brought “destruction” and “misery” to the nation. He also promised to end Biden’s climate change spending, dismissing it as a “scam.”
Trump reiterated his false claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election and criticized Biden for the “damage” he believes the current administration has caused. Contrary to his aides’ assurances that Biden’s name would not be mentioned, Trump did reference his opponent directly.
The convention showcased a Republican Party more unified behind Trump than ever before. Despite numerous scandals, an impeachment, and 34 felony convictions in a New York criminal trial, Trump is rising in polls as the November election approaches. He framed himself as the savior of democracy, decrying his criminal investigations as “witch hunts” and arguing against the criminalization of dissent.
Trump’s confident appearance at the convention starkly contrasted with the ongoing crisis within Biden’s campaign. As Trump promised to save the nation from decline, his followers rallied behind his vision of a restored and powerful America.
