Trump and his bandaged ear take centre stage at Republican convention

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Donald Trump made a dramatic entrance at the Republican National Convention on Monday in his first public appearance since a gunman attempted to assassinate him in Pennsylvania just two days earlier.

As he slowly walked through the crowd, his fans and supporters shouted “we love Trump,” and “fight, fight, fight” — his message to the crowd at Saturday’s campaign rally after a bullet grazed his ear.

At the RNC, however, it was the white bandage on the right side of his face that sent another message to the crowd; he appeared almost humbled — though determined as ever.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to do what’s necessary in spite of it,” one person wrote on X. “I can’t imagine walking out into a crowd that size after being shot at two days ago.”

Commenter Collin Rugg replied, “He understands the moment. This is one of the most iconic weeks in U.S. history. Trump knows that.”

Three of Trump’s children were there — Donald Jr., Eric and Tiffany — but wife Melania, eldest daughter Ivanka and youngest son, Barron, were notably absent.

Trump did not deliver any remarks Monday night, though he repeatedly thanked audience members, who appeared to love every second of it.

He listened to others speak about why they are supporting his campaign, including Black Republicans and former life-long Democrats.

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“He’s one tough S.O.B.,” said Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union.

Trump’s appearance at the RNC came hours after he was officially named the party’s presidential nominee.

“Even in the most perilous moment, his instinct was to stand and to fight,” South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told the convention hall. “Donald J. Trump is our man in the arena.”