Trump to Host First Rally Since Assassination Attempt in Michigan

Former President Donald Trump will hold his first public rally since surviving an assassination attempt last week. The event is set to take place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at 17:00 EST (22:00 BST) on Saturday. This rally marks a significant moment as Trump re-engages with the public following the shocking incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump’s return to the campaign trail includes several key stops in Michigan, a crucial battleground state where polls indicate a tight race against incumbent President Joe Biden. The rally follows the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump formally accepted his party’s presidential nomination and delivered his first public address since the attack.

In a notable development, this rally will be the first campaign event where Trump appears alongside his vice-presidential pick, Ohio Senator JD Vance. This addition aims to strengthen his campaign as they seek to mobilize supporters and sway undecided voters.

Meanwhile, President Biden has temporarily halted campaign events after testing positive for COVID-19. This pause comes amid increasing calls from within his own party for him to consider stepping down due to concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. Biden’s campaign has faced challenges as it navigates these internal pressures.

Trump has largely refrained from commenting on the turmoil within the Democratic Party, instead focusing his critiques on Biden’s administration. In his speech at the Republican convention, Trump addressed issues such as mass deportations and inflation, and he recounted the harrowing details of the assassination attempt on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. “I’m not supposed to be here,” he told the crowd, emphasizing, “I had God on my side.”

Looking ahead, Trump’s campaign has announced plans for another rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 24 at the Bojangles Coliseum, signaling a vigorous continuation of his campaign efforts.