MILWAUKEE — Former President Donald Trump plans to describe his brush with death at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in detailed and personal terms when he formally accepts the Republican nomination for president, and he is expected to call for the “discord and division in our society” to be healed.
“As you already know, the assassin’s bullet came within a quarter of an inch of taking my life. So many people have asked me what happened, and therefore, I’ll tell you what happened, and you’ll never hear it from me a second time, because it’s too painful to tell,” Trump will say.
He will not mention President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a person familiar with the speech, POLITICO has learned, though he does intend to blame his “opponents’” policies for fueling what he argues is a “nation in decline.”
In his speech, Trump is expected to outline his policy prescriptions for the country, including tackling inflation and conflicts abroad, and he will focus on the “invasion” at the Southern border and his plans to crack down on illegal immigration and migrant crime.
Trump is expected to say he is “running to be president for all of America, not half of America,” because “there is no victory in winning for half of America.”
“Just a few short days ago, my journey with you nearly ended,” Trump will say, according to the person with knowledge of the remarks who was granted anonymity to discuss the contents of the speech. “And yet here we are tonight, all gathered together, talking about the future, promise, and renewal of America. We live in a world of miracles.”
Trump will discuss aspects of his policy agenda that he frequently emphasizes, particularly curbing illegal immigration. Trump is expected to vow not to “let these killers and criminals into our country” and to “keep our sons and daughters safe.”
He is expected to call for American hostages to be returned before he assumes office — and if not, Trump will say in warning “to the entire world: You will be paying a very big price.”
“There was peace in Europe and the Middle East. Under President Bush, Russia invaded Georgia. Under President Obama, Russia took Crimea. Under the current administration, Russia is after all of Ukraine. Under President Trump, Russia took nothing,” Trump will say.
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