Donald Trump is set to hold his first campaign rally on Saturday since narrowly escaping an assassination attempt a week ago. The event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will also be the first campaign appearance with his new vice-presidential pick, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
This rally follows Trump’s nominating convention in Milwaukee, where his dominance over the Republican Party was solidified. During the convention, party officials noted that Trump’s brush with death had altered him, anticipating a call for national unity in his acceptance speech. However, while Trump did begin his speech with a call for unity, he reverted to his familiar grievances and attacks on opponents.
The upcoming rally is expected to attract Trump’s loyal supporters, eager to hear his trademark inflammatory rhetoric. Trump’s and Vance’s appearance in Grand Rapids underscores the Republican Party’s unity behind their ticket, in stark contrast to the Democratic Party’s current turmoil. President Joe Biden faces growing pressure from his party to step aside following a poor debate performance and declining poll numbers against Trump.
The Grand Rapids rally will be held in an indoor arena, a change from the outdoor event in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the assassination attempt occurred. In that incident, a gunman managed to scale a building outside the Secret Service perimeter and opened fire, injuring Trump and several attendees.
The U.S. Secret Service has not commented on the security measures for the Grand Rapids event, citing ongoing investigations into the Butler rally’s security failures. Trump recounted his near-death experience in his convention speech, crediting his survival to “the grace of Almighty God.”
As the November 5 election approaches, the Grand Rapids rally will mark a significant moment in Trump’s campaign, reflecting both his resilience and the challenges facing the Democratic opposition.