Donald Trump held his first campaign rally on Saturday since surviving an assassination attempt, where he dismissed concerns about being a threat to America's democratic system. Addressing the crowd triumphantly, he declared: "I took a bullet for democracy." Trump, the newly-crowned Republican presidential nominee, continued his speech in Michigan, a swing state, refuting allegations of extremism and distancing himself from Project 2025, a controversial document linked to his close associates, which opponents describe as an authoritarian, right-wing agenda.
He also mocked the Democratic Party, which is facing intense pressure for President Joe Biden to withdraw his re-election bid due to concerns about his age and ability to serve until 2029. Trump questioned the Democratic Party's candidate choice, stating, "They have no idea who their candidate is... This guy goes and he gets the votes, and now they want to take it away. That's democracy." In his typically fiery and rambling speech, Trump reiterated his hardline immigration policies, spread misinformation about migrant crime, and falsely claimed that the Democrats rigged the 2020 election.
Trump expressed admiration for foreign leaders like China's Xi Jinping, whom he praised for his effective governance over 1.4 billion people. He also recalled the moment after an attempted assassination at a Pennsylvania rally, where he was seen bloodied but defiant, raising his fist and urging supporters to "fight!" The crowd in Grand Rapids echoed his chant multiple times, although some grew weary after 90 minutes and started to leave.
The rally was significant, coming exactly a week after the assassination attempt. Trump sported a smaller, flesh-colored bandage over his right ear, injured during the attack. Despite his near-death experience, Trump reverted to his divisive rhetoric, insulting Biden as "stupid" and "feeble old," and Harris as "crazy" and "nuts." The Biden-Harris campaign dismissed Trump's speech as more of the same lies and a campaign of revenge and retribution.
Security was heightened at the Van Andel Arena, with concerns over Secret Service lapses at the previous rally. Meanwhile, Biden's supporters continued to defend him as calls for him to step down intensify. Biden, 81, and his team insist he remains in the race, though there are reports of discussions within his inner circle about potential withdrawal plans. Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be the most likely replacement, with Senator Elizabeth Warren supporting her potential candidacy.
Some Democrats worry that a late change could lead to chaos and harm the party's chances in the elections. Trump's team, buoyed by recent events, including surviving an assassination and favorable court rulings, introduced running mate J.D. Vance at the rally. Vance, a 39-year-old US senator with a blue-collar background, aimed to appeal to Rust Belt states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. He criticized Harris, questioning her qualifications compared to his own military and business experience.
Trump's supporters gathered in Grand Rapids a day before the rally, with some wearing shirts depicting the iconic image of Trump raising his fist after the attack. Edward Young, 64, expressed that Trump had become a martyr and was now more powerful than ever.
