Donald Trump Slams Critics, Claims He "Took a Bullet for Democracy"

Washington: In his first campaign rally since surviving an assassination attempt, former US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about being a threat to democracy, claiming he "took a bullet for democracy." Speaking to a large crowd in Michigan, Trump and his running mate JD Vance addressed over 12,000 supporters at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

“They keep saying he’s a threat to democracy. I’m saying, 'What the hell did I do to democracy?' Last week I took a bullet for democracy,” Trump said, referencing accusations from Democrats. His comments came a week after surviving an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, where he was shot in the ear during a speech. One attendee and the shooter died, and two others were injured in the attack.

Trump also discussed Project 2025, distancing himself from the initiative and accusing Democrats of spreading misinformation. The initiative, overseen by the conservative Heritage Foundation, outlines a plan for a significant overhaul of the executive branch by the next Republican president.

Thanking the staff at Butler Memorial Hospital for their care, Trump expressed gratitude for the nationwide support following the attack. He also alleged that the Democratic Party is trying to undermine primary results to replace President Joe Biden, claiming that the Republican Party is now the party of the people.