Two days after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump made a triumphant appearance at the Republican National Convention’s opening night, sporting a bandage over his right ear.
This scene added yet another dramatic turn to his already eventful presidential campaign.
GOP delegates erupted in cheers when Trump appeared onscreen backstage and then stepped into the arena, visibly moved as Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA.”
This was mere hours after the convention had formally nominated him to lead the Republican ticket in the upcoming November election against President Joe Biden.
Though Trump did not speak at the event — saving his acceptance speech for Thursday — he smiled and waved as Greenwood performed.
He later joined his newly announced running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, to listen to the remaining speeches, often with a subdued expression, a departure from his usual flamboyant demeanor.
The enthusiastic welcome highlighted the deep affection the crowd held for Trump, who originally won the 2016 nomination as an outsider clashing with the party establishment.
Now, he has silenced most GOP critics and commands loyalty across the party.
Republican Party Chairman, Michael Whatley, Trump’s chosen leader, called for unity in the party and the nation as he opened the primetime convention session on Monday.
“We must show the same strength and resilience as President Trump and lead this nation to a greater future,” he said.
However, calls for unity did not extend to Biden and the Democrats. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson criticized Democratic policies as a “clear and
