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In a spirited, nearly two-hour address, former President Donald Trump made his first public appearance since surviving an assassination attempt last week. Here are the main takeaways from his speech, delivered to a fervent crowd of supporters.
Allegations of Election Fraud
Despite the Republican National Convention downplaying his claims, Trump vigorously reiterated his belief that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. He asserted that Democrats manipulated the vote and urged his supporters to ensure such tampering does not occur in 2024. “We want a landslide that is too big to rig,” he proclaimed, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
Denial of Extremism
Trump distanced himself from Project 2025, a controversial manifesto by the Heritage Foundation, which critics label as extreme. He dismissed attempts to paint him as a radical, declaring, “I’m not an extremist at all.” He accused his opponents of spreading misinformation, especially in light of his recent close brush with death, which he framed as a sacrifice for democracy.
Critique of President Biden
Trump did not hold back in criticizing President Joe Biden, questioning his fitness for office due to age and mental acuity. He also mocked Vice President Kamala Harris, positioning her as a problematic successor should Biden step down. He referenced internal Democratic concerns and labeled Biden as “stupid” and of low intelligence.
Relationships with Global Leaders
Trump boasted about his rapport with various authoritarian leaders, including Kim Jong-Un of North Korea and Viktor Orban of Hungary. He claimed these relationships made the U.S. safer. He also shared that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent him a supportive message following the assassination attempt, describing Xi as a “brilliant man” with firm control over China.
Immigration and Crime
Trump vowed to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history if he returns to office. He painted a dire picture of crime linked to illegal immigration, promising to stop the "plunder, r@pe, slaughter, and destruction" in American suburbs. He condemned countries like Venezuela for allegedly sending criminals to the U.S. and pledged swift action against migrant crime.
