God spared my life for reason – Trump

The US president-elect has been targeted in a pair of assassination attempts

US President-elect Donald Trump delivered a faith-tinged victory speech on Wednesday morning, asserting that divine intervention saved him from two assassination attempts in the past months.   

Trump, speaking to a crowd in West Palm Beach, Florida, said he believes “God spared [his] life for a reason,” framing his survival as part of a greater purpose to lead the nation once more.  

“Many people have told me that... the reason was to save our country and restore America to greatness,” he declared during the 25-minute speech resonating with both gratitude and determination.   

He continued, “The task before us will not be easy, but I will bring every ounce of energy, spirit, and fight that I have in my soul to the job that you’ve entrusted to me.”  

Trump referenced both assassination attempts that occurred in the past few months, the first of which took place on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. As he addressed supporters at a rally, a gunman fired roughly eight shots toward the stage, one of which grazed Trump’s ear.   

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The attempt claimed the life of firefighter Corey Comperatore, and two other attendees were wounded. “We’re going to fulfill that mission together,” Trump said, describing his survival as proof of his mission’s importance.  

The second attempt unfolded while Trump was playing golf at his West Palm Beach course on September 15. Secret Service agents quickly escorted the Republican candidate to safety after spotting a man reportedly armed with an AK-47 hiding in bushes near the course, aiming the weapon through a chain-link fence. The suspect, a pro-Ukraine activist, was detained, though details remain under investigation.  

Trump has frequently tied his political journey to themes of divine purpose and national renewal, emphasizing his role in what he describes as America’s revival.  He has also promised to end the Ukraine conflict “in a day” and reinvigorate the US economy.