Flint, Michigan – In his first public appearance since an apparent assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail on Tuesday evening, addressing supporters at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan.
“It’s a dangerous business, being president,” Trump remarked while seated alongside Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, his former White House press secretary. Drawing comparisons to dangerous activities like race car driving and bull riding, Trump added, “This is a dangerous business, and we have to keep it safe.”
Trump also mentioned a surprising phone call he received from Vice President Kamala Harris earlier in the day, acknowledging her concern. “It was very, very nice. We appreciate that,” Trump told the crowd. Speaking during an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia, Harris confirmed that she had checked in on Trump to ensure he was okay following the incident.
Trump had previously criticized the rhetoric of Democrats, particularly Harris, telling Fox News that their words were contributing to threats against him. “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country,” Trump said, emphasizing that he sees himself as protecting America from destruction.
The Latest Assassination Attempt
The most recent attempt on Trump’s life occurred on Sunday while he was golfing at Trump National Golf Course. Members of his Secret Service detail spotted an individual armed with an AK-47-style rifle hiding in the bushes. The suspect, identified as Ryan Routh, was shot at by an agent but managed to flee the scene. Routh was later apprehended and charged with firearms offenses. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
This marks the second apparent assassination attempt against Trump in recent months, with the first taking place in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.
Despite these incidents, Trump supporters remain unfazed. Jim Jones, an Army veteran from Davison, Michigan, attended the Flint event and said he wasn’t concerned about safety, citing his faith. “I think when the good Lord wants you, he’ll take you,” Jones said. He believes Trump has a divine purpose: “The good Lord has a job for Trump to do.”
Virginia Williamson, a nurse from Flint, explained that she hadn’t planned on attending the event until she heard about the assassination attempt. “That’s why my husband and I are here today, to show support,” she said.
Campaign to Continue as Planned
Despite the alarming events, Trump’s campaign team has indicated there will be no changes to his schedule. A senior campaign official noted that acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe had advised Trump to increase security during his golf outings, but no major adjustments are being made.
The Biden administration has requested additional funding for the Secret Service to bolster security measures following the assassination attempts.
Trump is set to hold a rally in Uniondale, New York on Wednesday and an outdoor rally in Wilmington, North Carolina on Saturday.
As Trump resumes his campaign, these incidents have only intensified the loyalty of his supporters, who view him as undeterred in his mission to reclaim the presidency.