By Jane Doe, Smartencyclopedia Political U.S. Correspondent

In an anticipated speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Thursday, former President Donald Trump vowed to focus on uniting America following a recent assassination attempt. However, his pledge for unity was short-lived. For the first 26 minutes of his 92-minute address, Trump adhered to his promise, before reverting to his characteristic style of attacking rivals and controversial statements.

First Address After Assassination Attempt

Speaking for the first time since the gunman’s attack in Pennsylvania last Saturday, Trump emphasized the need to heal the nation’s divisions. He initially adopted a conciliatory tone, calling for unity across the political spectrum. Trump’s speech marked the fourth consecutive night of the convention, with the former president appearing with a bandage on his injured right ear.

Despite his initial focus on unity, Trump’s rhetoric quickly shifted. He refrained from directly naming President Joe Biden, instead opting to criticize the Democratic Party extensively. Without presenting evidence, Trump linked immigration to rising crime rates and condemned his opponents’ policies.

Key Points from Trump’s Speech

Throughout his speech, Trump:

• Recalled the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.
• Called for national unity while criticizing Democrats.
• Promoted border security and attacked illegal immigration.
• Made promises to revitalize the economy and control inflation.
• Discussed foreign policy, focusing on Ukraine and the Middle East.

Trump’s campaign team announced that he revised his speech following the attack, aiming for a more presidential tone. Nonetheless, the former president’s divisive comments raised questions about his commitment to his unity message.

A Shift in Tone

Despite initial remarks about healing divisions, Trump soon resorted to familiar themes. He accused Democrats of weaponizing the U.S. justice system and described himself as a victim of a “witch hunt.” Trump’s comments on immigration were particularly contentious, blaming undocumented immigrants for various societal issues.

“We have an illegal immigration crisis,” Trump declared. “A massive invasion at our southern border has spread misery, crime, poverty, disease, and destruction throughout our communities.”

Researchers and experts have frequently debunked such claims, noting that violent crime rates among undocumented immigrants are not higher than those among U.S. citizens.

Economic and Foreign Policy Promises

Trump criticized President Biden’s administration, claiming rising prices and job losses. He pledged to reduce taxes, lower energy costs, and dismantle recent environmental regulations.

“Under my plan, incomes will soar, inflation will vanish, jobs will come back with full force, and the middle class will thrive like never before,” Trump stated.

On foreign policy, Trump promised to end conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, blaming previous administrations, including George W. Bush’s, for past military engagements. He condemned the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under Biden, calling it disastrous.

Remembering the Attack

Trump recounted the assassination attempt, thanking Secret Service agents for their protection and attributing his survival to divine intervention.

“If I hadn’t turned my head then, that assassin would have hit his target. We wouldn’t be here together today. I had God on my side,” Trump said.

He honored the victims of the attack, including firefighter Corey Comperatore, pledging financial support for their families. Despite the traumatic event, Trump urged unity and resilience among his supporters.

Conclusion

Trump’s speech highlighted his struggle to maintain a unifying message while falling back on familiar divisive rhetoric. As he prepares for another presidential run with J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential candidate, it remains to be seen whether Trump can sustain a tone of unity or if his inclination towards inflammatory remarks will prevail.

Sources:

• RNC Speech Transcripts
• Statements from Trump’s Campaign Team
• Expert Analysis of Immigration and Crime Statistics

Tags: Donald Trump, RNC, Unity Message, Political Speech, Assassination Attempt, U.S. Politics, Immigration, Economy, Foreign Policy