Donald Trump Makes Dramatic Entrance with Bandaged Ear After Assassination Attempt

Donald Trump made his first public appearance since surviving an assassination attempt, sporting a white bandage over his right ear, as Republicans gathered to nominate him for president for the third time. The dramatic entry took place at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Monday, amid the Republican National Committee’s convention, where Trump received a prolonged standing ovation from attendees.

Warm Reception and New Running Mate

The former president made his way to a box near his family, standing next to US Senator JD Vance, his newly announced 2024 running mate. Trump refrained from speaking, but his populist message resonated through his choice of Vance and the array of speakers. These included business executives and the head of the influential Teamsters union. They advocated for Trump’s approach, pledging to renew expiring tax cuts, reduce regulations, and impose tariffs on other countries, both allies and adversaries.

“America, the land of opportunity, just doesn’t feel like that anymore,” said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. He is a former co-chief executive officer of Carlyle Group Inc. and was seen as a top contender to be Trump’s running mate.

Populist Doctrine and Economic Promises

Trump’s selection of Vance, 39, also signifies his endorsement of Vance as his populist successor. The former president’s push for tariffs, which he claims could offset the cost of some tax cuts, threatens to raise prices for consumers and hinder economic growth. However, the speakers on Monday painted a picture of an America where working-class families are struggling due to Biden’s policies. They aimed to resonate with polls showing discontent with the incumbent’s economic strategies.

This anxiety has been exacerbated by persistent inflation that has hit US households hard. This overshadowed Biden’s efforts to promote his investments in domestic manufacturing and infrastructure.

High Prices and Working-Class Appeal

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, whom Donald Trump considered for a spot on the ticket, portrayed the Republican challenger’s approach as one that would help American families recover from high prices. He also emphasized recovery from high taxes. “I see our heartland filled with huge American factories, powered by abundant American energy, building what America needs,” Scott said. “Creating generational wealth for blue-collar workers.”

A video during the convention highlighted Trump’s pledge to exempt tipped wages from taxes, a policy aimed at appealing to younger voters and people of color. The no-taxes-on-tips idea was met with enthusiastic applause from the delegates. Attendees waved signs saying “Make Housing Affordable Again” and “Make America Wealthy Again.”

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Business Critique and Union Support

Venture capitalist David Sacks criticized Democrats for what he called “reckless spending” on wasteful government programs, triggering the worst inflation since Jimmy Carter. Sacks has been a key figure in boosting Trump’s support and fundraising in Silicon Valley. However, his criticism of Biden’s support for Ukraine received only lukewarm applause.

Intensifying the Populist Appeal

The Republican appeal to working-class voters is likely to intensify with Trump’s selection of Vance — a populist protégé famous for his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” about his upbringing in rural poverty. Vance is also a staunch defender of Trump’s worldview in the Senate. Vance, from Ohio, a state Donald Trump easily won in 2016 and 2020, will be valuable in Midwestern swing states. These include Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Polls show voters see the economy as a crucial election issue. In many of those states. Union members are concerned about the impact of Biden’s transition to electric vehicles on jobs and wages.

Union Endorsements and Party Divisions

Biden and Trump have been fiercely competing for union workers in these states. The president won the endorsement of the United Auto Workers after joining a picket line. Both Trump and Biden have sought the support of the Teamsters. Trump received a boost when Teamsters union President Sean O’Brien addressed the convention. O’Brien praised Donald Trump for inviting him to an event that typically doesn’t feature labor leaders.

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