Trump Addresses Michigan Rally Amid Security Concerns
Former U.S. President Donald Trump held a significant election rally in Michigan on Saturday, his first public appearance since surviving an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Trump, who suffered a bullet injury to his right ear during a rally on July 13, addressed a crowd of 12,000 supporters, dismissing concerns about his commitment to democracy.
“Not an extremist at all”
Trump, the newly-crowned Republican presidential nominee, emphasized that he is “not an extremist at all” and pledged to continue his campaign with vigor. “I took a bullet for democracy,” he declared, countering accusations that he poses a threat to democratic values.
Rejection of Project 2025 links
Trump firmly denied any connections to Project 2025, a controversial manifesto linked to his inner circle and described by critics as an authoritarian agenda. He also took the opportunity to criticize President Joe Biden, highlighting the increasing pressure on Biden to reconsider his re-election bid due to concerns over his age and mental health.
Criticism of democratic leadership
“They have no idea who their candidate is… This guy goes and he gets the votes, and now they want to take it away. That’s democracy,” Trump told the 12,000-strong crowd of passionate supporters.
Trump reiterated his stance on stricter immigration laws and raised alarm over migrant-related crimes. He also repeated his claim that the 2020 election was “rigged” by the Democrats. Additionally, he expressed admiration for foreign leaders like China’s Xi Jinping, praising him for his “brilliant” control over 1.4 billion people.
Back on the campaign trail
Sporting a new, smaller, flesh-colored bandage over his right ear, Trump showed no signs of retreating from the campaign trail. His return to public speaking just one week after the assassination attempt marks a significant moment in his ongoing bid for the presidency.