Former US President Donald Trump made a dramatic return to the campaign trail on Saturday, addressing a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This appearance comes just days after he survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, where he was shot in the ear.
“I took a bullet for democracy,” Trump declared, referring to the attack. He criticized the Democrats for spreading misinformation and called out their portrayal of him as a threat to democracy. “What the hell did I do for democracy? Last week, I took a bullet for democracy,” he emphasized.
During the rally, Trump also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Project 2025, a conservative policy platform linked to the Heritage Foundation and associated with several former Trump administration officials. While Democrats have attempted to connect Trump to this initiative, he has denied any involvement, describing the platform as “seriously extreme.”
Trump’s appearance was marked by a smaller bandage on his right ear, a change from the larger one he wore at the Republican National Convention earlier in the week. This rally marked his first public event since the shooting incident, which resulted in the deaths of an attendee and the shooter, and injuries to two others.
Supporters at the rally wore shirts depicting Trump with his fist raised, a nod to his resilience during the Pennsylvania incident. Merchandise tables outside the venue sold these shirts as attendees lined up to enter the arena.
Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance also spoke at the rally, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris. Vance, a former Marine and businessman, defended his loyalty to the country in response to Harris’s earlier remarks questioning his patriotism. “What the hell have you done other than collect a check?” Vance retorted, highlighting his military service and business achievements.
This rally was Vance’s first appearance with Trump since being chosen as his running mate. Harris had previously criticized Vance for suggesting he would not have certified the 2020 election results, comparing him to former Vice President Mike Pence and accusing him of being a rubber stamp for Trump’s agenda.
In his speech, Vance rejected media portrayals of Trump and the Republican platform as radical and dangerous, receiving a warm reception from the Michigan crowd.
