Former President Donald Trump addressed the nation for the first time since an assassination attempt on his life at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, revealing his thoughts as the case unfolded and sharing what he believes is why he is still alive and in the running for president.
Trump, speaking on the final night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, touched on many common campaign themes during his speech, but began by recounting the events of Saturday, when former Fire Chief Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed when a gunman opened fire during the former president’s rally.
Two other people were injured, and Trump was shot in the ear. He said of the shooting that he was nearly killed by a quarter of an inch.
“What is incredible is that before the shot, if I had not moved my head at the very last moment, the assassin’s bullet would have hit its target perfectly, and I would not be here tonight,” he said.
During his 90-minute speech, Trump outlined numerous policies he hopes to implement if re-elected to the White House, including reviving efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, reducing regulations for businesses and cutting taxes for most Americans.
“It’s time for change,” he said. “This administration is far from being able to solve the problems we face. Tonight, I make this promise to the American people: I will immediately end this inflation crisis, lower interest rates and lower the cost of energy.”
Trump has said he will increase tariffs on foreign-made goods to ensure more products are made in the United States.
“We will not let other countries come and take our jobs and plunder our nation. They will sell their products to the United States by making them in the United States, and only in the United States,” he said.
According to an analysis by The Hill, the proposed tariffs could have a big impact on the economy. When Trump administration officials introduced new tariffs in 2018 and 2019, U.S. manufacturing declined from 10.9% to 10.1% of GDP, with the proposed higher tariffs having “more substantial effects.”
The final night of the convention also featured appearances by UFC CEO Dana White, who said he cut short his vacation to introduce the former president, and a performance by Kid Rock, who performed his song “American Badass” with Trump-inspired lyric changes.
Hulk Hogan also appeared, ripping off a shirt and using some of his most iconic slogans in support of Trump.
Attention now turns to Democrats, who are still waiting for a final decision on whether President Joe Biden will remain in the 2024 presidential race.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention will be the next stop on the political calendar, kicking off in Chicago on August 19.
