Trump leaves Republican convention surrounded by Secret Service agents

Two days after surviving an attempted assassination, former President Donald Trump made a triumphant appearance at the Republican National Convention's opening night, sporting a bandage over his right ear—a striking image in an already dramatic campaign.

GOP delegates erupted in cheers as Trump was shown backstage and then emerged into the arena, visibly emotional, while Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA.” This came just hours after the convention officially nominated Trump as the Republican candidate to face President Joe Biden in November.

Trump did not address the audience, reserving his acceptance speech for Thursday. He later joined his newly announced running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, to listen to the remaining speeches of the night, often with a subdued and muted demeanor uncharacteristic of the typically exuberant showman.

The enthusiastic reception highlighted the delegates' deep affection for Trump, who initially secured the 2016 nomination as an outsider challenging the party establishment but has since silenced most GOP critics and garnered loyalty throughout the party.