MILWAUKEE, USA: Donald Trump received a hero’s welcome at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, marking his first public appearance since surviving an assassination attempt. Sporting a white bandage on his ear, the former US president waved at a packed arena, receiving a standing ovation from cheering supporters just two days after the attack at a Pennsylvania rally.
Trump, 78, refrained from speaking but stood alongside his newly announced running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, soaking in the warm reception. The convention floor, filled with over 2,400 delegates, erupted in chants of “USA! USA!” as Trump acknowledged the crowd.
Taking a seat next to Vance in a VIP box, Trump was joined by House Republican Byron Donalds and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Dressed in a blue suit and his trademark red tie, Trump smiled and applauded as officials and guests addressed the convention, praising his resilience.
Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, lauded Trump as “one tough S.O.B.,” drawing a huge roar from the crowd. Trump’s formal acceptance of his party’s nomination as the challenger to President Joe Biden in the upcoming November 5 election is scheduled for Thursday.