In a speech that lasted for over 90 minutes, Donald Trump emotionally recounted his assassination attempt as he accepted the Republican nomination for president.
Trump took the stage Thursday night at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to chants of “USA” from the crowd.
“I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America,” Trump said. “So tonight, with faith and devotion, I proudly accept your nomination for president of the United States.”
Recounting the assassination attempt
Trump expressed gratitude to Americans for their support after the shooting incident in Pennsylvania last weekend.
He described how the bullet that grazed his ear came dangerously close to ending his life.
“So many people have asked me what happened,” he said. “And therefore, I’ll tell you exactly what happened, and you’ll never hear it from me a second time, because it’s actually too painful to tell.”
Trump recounted turning his head to view a chart of border crossings, noting how fortunate he was to have not turned further.
“I heard a loud whizzing sound,” he said. “I said to myself, ‘Wow, what was that? It can only be a bullet.'”
“I immediately knew it was very serious, we were under attack,” he added.
Trump commended the Secret Service agents who shielded him during the shooting incident.
“I had God on my side,” he remarked. “I felt that.”
“In almost all cases, and when even a single bullet is fired — crowds run for the exits or stampede,” Trump told the audience. “But not in this case.”
He mentioned how the crowd identified the shooter after he was hit.
“They saw me go down, they saw the blood, and thought I was dead,” Trump recounted. “This beautiful crowd, they didn’t want to leave me.”
“I’m not supposed to be here tonight,” he acknowledged, leading to chants of “Yes you are” from the crowd.
“For the rest of my life I will be grateful for the love shown by that giant audience of patriots,” Trump expressed.
He paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who lost his life in the shooting, as well as those who were injured. Following his remarks, he kissed the helmet displayed alongside Comperatore’s uniform on stage and requested a moment of silence in his honor.
Trump pays tribute to man killed during assassination attempt
Trump calls for unity — and criticizes federal cases against him
In what became the longest nomination acceptance speech in modern history, Trump urged for unity before delving into his usual political talking points.
“This election should focus on the issues confronting our country and how to make America successful, safe, free, and great again,” Trump declared. “In an era where our politics often divide us, now is the time to remember that we are all fellow citizens — we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
“We must not criminalize dissent or demonize political disagreement,” Trump emphasized. “In that spirit, the Democratic party should immediately cease weaponizing the justice system and labeling their opponent as an enemy of democracy, particularly since that is not true.”
Trump highlighted how a Florida judge had dismissed the federal classified documents case against him, which has been appealed to the 11th Circuit.
“If Democrats desire to unify our country, they should abandon these partisan witch hunts,” he urged.
Trump lays out a vision for leadership
“Under our leadership, the United States will be respected again. No nation will question our power. No enemy will doubt our might. Our borders will be totally secure,” he proclaimed. “Our economy will soar. We will restore law and order to our streets, patriotism to our schools, and importantly, we will bring back peace, stability, and harmony worldwide.”
However, Trump asserted that achieving this necessitated moving away from what he termed the “failed leadership” of the Biden administration.
Trump attributed current inflation issues, what he termed the “immigration crisis” at the southern border, and global conflicts and tensions to that administration.
He pledged to lower energy costs through increased drilling, secure the U.S.-Mexico border, and resolve every international crisis the U.S. is currently entangled in.
The Republican agenda
Trump outlined a plan to make essential needs more affordable for voters by curbing inflation, safeguarding jobs, reducing energy, transportation, and food expenses.
“I will revive the American dream,” he declared. “With great humility, I am urging you to be enthusiastic about the future of our country.”
“We possess more natural resources than any other country,” he stated, hinting at his administration’s focus on domestic energy production to compete globally.
He pledged to redirect government funds to infrastructure projects, eliminate what he referred to as the “electric vehicle mandate,” and revive domestic auto manufacturing through taxes and tariffs on foreign-made cars.
“We have long been taken advantage of by other countries,” Trump pointed out. “I halted it for four years.”
“We will not allow countries to come in, seize our jobs, and exploit our nation,” he affirmed.
Trump assured tax cuts for workers and protections for Social Security and Medicare.
However, he stressed that it hinged on controlling immigration at the southern U.S. border.
Immigration plans
Trump vowed to shut the U.S. borders on day one of his presidency and insisted on legal immigration processes.
He pointed to a chart he claimed saved his life, illustrating levels of illegal immigration between his administration and President Biden’s.
“The greatest invasion in history is happening right here in our country — they are coming from every corner of the Earth, not just South America, but from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East — they’re coming from everywhere,” Trump remarked. “And the [Biden] administration does nothing to stop them.”
Trump alleged that crime rates in countries like Venezuela and El Salvador were decreasing because their governments were sending criminals to the U.S.
“The Republican platform pledges to launch the largest deportation operation in our country’s history,” he announced.
“Tonight, America, this is my promise: I will prevent these criminals and killers from entering our country. I will safeguard our sons and daughters,” Trump declared.
Foreign policy
“Under President Bush, Russia invaded Georgia,” Trump recounted. “Under President Obama, Russia took Crimea. Under the current administration, Russia seeks all of Ukraine. Under President Trump, Russia gained nothing.”
Trump claimed he had a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“I believe he misses me,” Trump remarked.
“Our adversaries inherited a peaceful world and transformed it into a war-torn planet,” Trump criticized, condemning the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“To the entire world: We want our hostages back—and they better be back before I assume office, or you will pay a hefty price,” Trump warned, referencing hostages detained by Hamas in Gaza.
Promising American innovation and leadership
Trump pledged to strengthen U.S. military defenses through domestic manufacturing, including implementing an Iron Dome system. He highlighted a focus on disease research and revitalizing U.S. cities, mentioning Washington, D.C., as a “horrible killing field.”
“America is on the verge of a new Golden Age, and we will seize it with courage,” Trump declared.
Concluding his speech with a call for unity
“We need to make the most of every day for the people and the country we cherish,” Trump urged. “The assailant in Pennsylvania sought to halt our movement, but the truth is the movement has never been about me. It has always been about you.”
“For too long, our nation has settled for mediocrity,” Trump lamented. “You have been told to lower your expectations and settle for less for your families. Tonight, I bring a different message: Your expectations are too low. It is time to demand the best leadership in the world, leadership that is courageous, dynamic, relentless, and fearless.”
“Just like our predecessors, we must unite, rise above past divisions,” Trump stressed. “Any disagreements must be set aside as we move forward united as one people, one nation.”
“Tonight, I seek your partnership, your support, and I humbly seek your vote,” Trump implored. “We will restore our country’s greatness. Every day, I will strive to honor the trust you have placed in me, and I will not disappoint you.”
Trump led the crowd in a chant: “Win, win, win!”
“America’s future will be grander, brighter, bolder, happier, stronger, freer, greater, and more united than ever before,” he concluded.
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