Trump accepts GOP nomination in first address since assassination attempt

In his first public address since an attempt on his life last weekend, Trump formally accepted his nomination as the Grand Old Party’s presidential candidate, while also recounting the events of the Saturday shooting, which happened during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

“I immediately knew it was very serious, that we were under attack,” Trump said, stating that he dropped to the floor just after the bullet clipped his ear.

Trump said that his surviving the attempt was likely thanks to the “grace of god.”

His nomination as the GOP candidate now sets him up for a potential rematch with President Joe Biden, who had beaten Trump in the 2020 elections. 

Trump nominated Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate. 

“We’re going to turn our nation around and we’re going to do it very quickly,” Trump said of the upcoming presidential race.

He criticized “witchhunts” by the Democratic party, and said that he was going to “win the elections anyways.” 

Trump promised to bring down inflation and vowed to address "illegal" immigration issues, while also criticizing "weak" leadership in the country. He also vowed to further lower taxes.

Trump’s address at the RNC was preceded by appearances from wrestler Hulk Hogan, UFC President  Dana White and former first lady Melania Trump. 

Trump nomination comes amid calls for Biden to pull out of race

Trump was seen gaining a large boost in popularity after the assassination attempt last week.

In contrast, Biden was facing growing calls from the Democratic party members and donors to pull out of the presidential race.

Calls for Biden’s resignation came after his seemingly disastrous performance in an earlier debate with Trump, which drummed up concerns over the 46th president’s mental state and health.