After the shocking assassination attempt on Saturday, Donald Trump revealed that he had rewritten his speech for this week's Republican National Convention. In a candid interview with The Washington Examiner's Salena Zito on Sunday, the former president and presumptive GOP nominee recounted the harrowing events that unfolded at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The day before, gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on Trump (ultimately killing a rally attendee) before being fatally shot by the Secret Service. Trump, whose ear was grazed by a bullet, emerged unscathed and promptly flew to Wisconsin ahead of the convention.
In his first media appearance since the shooting, Trump confessed that his original speech was to focus on President Joe Biden's policies, but the recent events had compelled him to alter his approach. "The speech I had planned for Thursday was destined to be a rousing one," he said. "If this hadn't happened, it would've been one of the most remarkable speeches. But now, it's going to be a completely different narrative."
He continued, "This is an opportunity to unite not just our country, but the entire world. The speech will be vastly different, a far cry from what it would've been two days ago."
Recalling the moment of the attack, Trump mentioned that he typically faces the crowd directly, rarely averting his gaze. This habit, he suggested, might have been the saving grace. "That realization is just sinking in," he said, adding, "Had I not done that in that split second, we wouldn't be having this conversation, would we?"
Trump was also questioned about the moment he raised his fist and uttered the word "fight" to the crowd. He explained that it was a way to reassure everyone that he was unharmed and that "America marches forward." "The energy emanating from the people in that instant — they just stood there; it's indescribable, but I knew the world was watching," he said. "I knew that history would judge this moment, and I knew I had to convey to them that we are resilient."
Zito recounted the interview on CNN Sunday evening, mentioning that Trump had called to check on her well-being as he boarded his plane from Bedminster, New Jersey, to Milwaukee. She then asked if she could pose a few questions for a story, and Trump graciously obliged.
CNN further reported on Sunday that President Trump underwent a precautionary CT scan following the tragic shooting, and the results came back clear, indicating no significant injuries. On the same day, President Joe Biden addressed the nation twice, fervently advocating for unity and fiercely condemning the heinous shooting. "As I speak to you tonight, I want us to reflect on the urgent need to de-escalate our political tensions," he said. "Remember, though we may differ in opinion, we are not adversaries. We are neighbors, friends, colleagues, citizens, and most importantly, we are fellow Americans. It is imperative that we stand united in this moment."
