During his first appearance after the failed assassination attempt, Donald Trump emphasized that "I stand before you only by the grace of Almighty God" and called for "healing discord and divisions" in the country, stating that "I am running to be the president of all of America," while images from the attack were shown in the background.
Trump began his speech with an emotional recount of the assassination attempt but frequently deviated from his prepared remarks, improvising and reiterating unproven claims of election fraud.
The former U.S. president stated, "They used Covid to cheat. I will never let that happen again." He claimed that there were no wars during his presidency and promised that if he returns to the White House, peace would prevail globally, including in Ukraine.
"I can end wars with one phone call," he declared, though he did not specify how he would accomplish this in a populist manner.
Trump also addressed global threats, including the "growing specter of conflict" and the "edge of World War III."
Despite over a million Americans dying from coronavirus infection, Trump confidently assured everyone that during his presidency he did a "great job with COVID."
Trump referenced Viktor Orban's opinion: "He said there's only one way to solve the problem - you need to reelect Donald Trump because he kept everyone at bay."
The former U.S. president also mentioned getting along with Kim Jong Un, saying, "I got along with him. I think he wants me back too." Trump concluded by saying that if he wins the election, America will "win and win."
Trump paid tribute to his supporter Corey Comperatore, who was killed by the assailant, by embracing a mannequin dressed in his firefighter uniform and kissing its helmet. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends," he said, quoting words from the Gospel of Jesus.
Trump's wife, Melania, and eldest granddaughter, Kai, will also make their debut appearances at the convention.
17-year-old Kai Trump tried to soften her grandfather's image with stories about how he never refused his grandchildren candy, soda, and games of golf. However, this young woman candidly admitted, "I have to remind him I’m a Trump too."
Source: IAR/PAP/x.com
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