Trump Commends Secret Service at First Event Post-Assassination Plot Attempt

On a Tuesday evening in Flint, Michigan, Donald Trump held his first campaign event following an assassination attempt over the weekend. Speaking to a crowd of 6,000 at the arena, he remarked that the assailant “couldn’t even get a shot off” and praised the Secret Service for their swift response to the danger he faced.

The town hall, moderated by former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, offered attendees an opportunity to ask questions about various issues, including manufacturing and the economy. After experiencing a life-threatening incident, Trump appeared determined to resume campaigning, and his supporters were eager to rally around him once again.

Among those in attendance were Susan Moore and Christopher Moore, who arrived from Mundy Township early in the morning. They joined the line at 9:30 a.m. for what would be their first Trump event, despite doors not opening until 3 p.m. Susan described the atmosphere as “just electric.”

Clark Grognan, a career auto worker from Whiteford, noted that Trump’s message resonated with him, particularly recalling how Bill Clinton’s presidency influenced his switch to the Republican side. For Grognan, meeting fellow supporters was “exciting.”

Huckabee Sanders kickstarted the event by sharing her belief that “God is not done with President Trump,” emphasizing that he is “what our country desperately needs” at this juncture in history.

Many attendees were auto workers, with several donning “Unions for Trump” apparel and UAW T-shirts, showcasing the event’s strong connections to the local auto industry. Flint has long been a stronghold of this sector in the United States.

Trump began his speech by lamenting the growing dominance of Mexican car manufacturing. He touted the importance of imposing tariffs, declaring, “We’re not going to let them sell one car in the USA.” His remarks had local significance but were often entwined with broad and dire warnings about the future.

In an ominous tone, Trump mentioned that without their support, “there won’t be a single car-making job left here.” When pressed about what he deemed the greatest threat to Michigan’s automobile sector, he shifted to discussing the looming dangers of nuclear war, asserting that “we are closer than ever to world war three.”

Volunteer usher Paul Baldwin, a retired auto worker and UAW member for half a century, shared that his political engagement is more crucial than ever. At 74, he feels it is vital to “fight for our freedoms,” asserting that Trump is the only candidate willing to do so.

Economic discussions underscored the event, reflecting attendees’ worries about the rising cost of living. Joseph Boisture, a former volunteer caller for the Trump campaign, expressed concern over basic needs affordability. When asked how he would tackle this issue, Trump criticized current Vice President Kamala Harris’s economic record, warning the audience that her leadership could lead to taxes increasing by “70, even 80%.”

Christopher Moore articulated his support for Trump, believing that he would manage the country with a business-like approach. After hearing Trump’s plans for reciprocal tariffs with China, he confidently remarked, “He’s smart enough to get China to buy our rice!”

Immigration also emerged as a significant concern among attendees. Grognan reflected on the plight of those in Honduras and Central America, empathizing with their struggles and noting the desperate conditions that drive people to survival tactics.

Brenda Sanford from Davison shared her excitement about attending her first Trump event, citing immigration as her top issue. She voiced her worry that “people from other countries are stealing our welfare money,” underscoring a popular sentiment among attendees.

Trump further discussed his administration’s border wall efforts, stating it was “just what the Border Patrol wanted.” He noted that Tijuana in Mexico has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing cities due to the influx of migrants, using it as a backdrop to emphasize his stance on immigration and border control.