Eric Trump Calls His Father’s Potential Presidency ‘Greatest Retribution’

Eric Trump told the Republican National Committee audience in Milwaukee on Thursday how eight years ago, his father sat the family down and “spoke of a nation in decline.”

“It was in that moment, I had knew that my father made a decision that would forever change our lives,” he told the electrified crowd. “We had realized he had chosen to step into the arena to fight for the soul of America.”

Donald Trump’s second son shared that his father’s decision was not out of necessity, which he suggested former President Barrack Obama’s run had been. It also was not similar to President Joe Biden’s race, which he called “a decision that would enrich his family.”

“It was a decision made out of love for this country and a deep concern for America’s future,” said Eric, who runs his father’s company today.

He recalled how that decision even today was not an easy one. His father’s time in office was met with “the made-up Russia hoax,” impeachments, “efforts to destroy and unbelievable company,” “the efforts to cancel us, to silence him” and to attempt to “take his life.”

Minutes into Donald Trump’s speech at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, loud popping noises were heard as people huddled for safety. Trump appeared to clutch his ear and fell to the ground. When he stood back up, surrounded by Secret Service agents, as blood was seen running down his face.

“Never have I been more proud to be a Trump,” he said during his speech Thursday. “Never have I been more proud to stand my by father’s side. I remain incredibly honored to be a part of this journey.”

He spoke to his father directly, sharing how he and his immediate family held their breath “as we saw blood pour across your face.”

“By the grace of God, divine intervention and your guardian angels above, you survived,” he said. “You are the greatest fighter I have ever seen.”

The shooting is officially being investigated as an attempted assassination. A poster with imagery of the shooter, Thomas Crooks, was seen outside of the RNC in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief from Pennsylvania, was identified as the victim in the shooting incident at a rally for former President Donald Trump on Saturday.

Also injured in the shooting were 57-year-old David Dutch, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

“Through it all, he showed unwavering courage and determination, not just in public but in every private conversation with me and our family,” Eric Trump said during his RNC address. “He stood tall not for personal ambition but for a profound love for this country and a love for all of you, the American people.”

His brother, Donald Trump Jr., and niece, Kai Madison Trump, spoke at the convention earlier in the week on Night 3.

The former president and Republican 2024 presidential nominee was seen watching Eric, smiling, cheering and talking with his grandchildren.

“He is not a threat to our democracy,” Eric said. “He is a threat to those who despise our republic, many of whom are bought and sold, bribed and coerced.”

He said the country is yet again at a “crossroads,” and that the November election is important for issues like inflation, homelessness, immigration, education and drug overdose.

He called Trump’s potential success the “greatest retribution.” He envisions a country that prioritizes freedom of speech and religion while respecting the constitution.

“My father saw potential where others saw despair,” Eric said. “He restored hope. He restored the American dream.”

Follow Newsweek’s live coverage of the RNC Day 4 here.

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