Photo: Alamy
On the first anniversary of the attempt on his life at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump released a dramatic video Sunday highlighting key moments from his business and political career, including the day he was shot while speaking to supporters.
The 91-second video opens with scenes from Trump’s life, portraying what the video describes as his “mythical story,” before transitioning to July 13, 2024, when a bullet struck him in the ear during a rally in Butler. The footage shows Trump raising his fist in defiance as blood streamed from his ear, a moment that became a symbol of resilience for his supporters.
“One year ago today, an assassin opened fire on President Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania,” a White House post stated.
“The bullet hit—but by the grace of God, he stood up. Bloodied. Unbowed. And he fought harder. July 13th is a reminder: we fight, we win, AND WE NEVER SURRENDER,” it added.
Audio from several past speeches is layered throughout the tribute, including a quote from Trump’s 2017 commencement address at Liberty University. “What will future Americans say we did in our brief time here on Earth? It will be defined by your vision, your perseverance, and your grit,” he said.
The video also includes a line from his 2024 Republican National Convention speech in Milwaukee, delivered just days after the shooting that killed rallygoer Corey Comperatore and wounded two others.
“We are Americans. Ambition is our heritage. Greatness is our birthright,” Trump said at the time.
Trump has said he believes divine intervention saved him from a fatal wound. He recalled turning to look at an immigration chart just as the shot was fired, which he said prevented the bullet from striking his skull.
“I turned to the right to look at the chart, and I said, ‘Wow. What was that? What was that?’ So, you never know, but God did that. I mean, it had to be,” Trump said.
Reflecting on the aftermath, the president said his faith deepened significantly. “Honestly, it changed … something in me,” Trump said. “I feel even stronger. I believed in God, but I feel much more strongly about it; something happened.”