Donald Trump launched a fierce critique of Democratic opponents Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, marking his return to the campaign trail just a week after surviving an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In his first rally since the attempt, and with his new running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, by his side, Trump addressed supporters with a smaller bandage covering his ear. He described the assassination attempt as a "horrific event" and credited his survival to divine intervention. "I shouldn't be here, but let's face it, something very special happened," he remarked.
Trump recounted how he narrowly escaped the bullet by turning his head to look at a chart about border crossings. "I hope I never have to go through that again," he added, claiming he "took a bullet for democracy."
He also criticized the Democratic Party's internal struggles, particularly the debate over Biden’s suitability for re-election due to concerns about his age and mental acuity. “They have no idea who their candidate is, and neither do we,” Trump quipped, calling Biden a “feeble old guy.”
Appearing in good spirits, Trump jabbed at Biden for his recovery from Covid at his Delaware beach home, saying he preferred being in Michigan over “some boring beach watching the waves coming in.”
An official update on Trump’s injuries was provided by Texas Representative Ronny Jackson, who noted that the bullet grazed Trump’s right ear, causing a "2cm wide wound." Jackson stated the wound is healing, though it still requires an ear dressing due to ongoing bleeding.
During his speech, Trump predicted a landslide victory in the upcoming election, questioning the crowd whether they preferred he run against Harris or Biden, receiving boos for Harris and cheers for Biden. He also criticized Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, saying she has done “a terrible job.”
Trump reiterated his familiar themes, attacking electric vehicles, China, and trade, and promising a robust deportation effort. He dismissed concerns about a second Trump presidency being influenced by the conservative Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, stating he had no interest in the document produced by the "severe right."
JD Vance, who preceded Trump on stage, criticized both Republicans and Democrats for failing to protect manufacturing jobs in Michigan and the US. “Both parties were broken in very profound ways until Trump came along,” Vance said, receiving a warm reception despite the Ohio-Michigan sports rivalry.
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