Donald Trump made a dramatic appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, marking his first public appearance since surviving an assassination attempt over the weekend. With a bandage partially covering his right ear, Trump received loud cheers and chants of “USA!” and “fight!” as he entered the convention hall to Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” at about 9pm CT on Monday.

Donald Trump moved through the convention floor, eventually joining notable Republicans like Tucker Carlson, Congressman Byron Donalds, and JD Vance, whom he named as his running mate earlier that day. Sean O’Brien, president of the Teamsters union, praised Trump as “one tough SOB,” receiving thunderous applause.

Speakers, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, hailed Trump’s survival as a godly act. Greene called Trump a “founding father” of the “America First movement” and referenced the assassination attempt, thanking God for protecting Trump. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina also suggested divine intervention, describing Trump as a lion who roared back after the attack.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem acknowledged the assassination attempt, calling it a cowardly act of evil. She emphasized Trump’s resilience, declaring him the toughest man she had ever met. Noem highlighted Trump’s ability to endure challenges, cementing his image as a fighter in the eyes of his supporters.