The resilience displayed by ex-president Donald J. Trump was put on exhibition again recently as he jovially dealt with a second supposed threat on his life as reported by the F.B.I. The incident took a surprising turn as Mr. Trump, renowned for his high spirits and tenacious character, remained cheerful amidst the potential danger, indulging his advisors and allies in light-hearted conversation following the event.
It was during a telephonic exchange with his ex-White House physician, Representative Ronny L. Jackson of Texas, that Trump’s buoyant response was most evident. Mr. Jackson had reached out to check up on Trump, keeping in line with his professional responsibilities, a few hours post the repulsion of the gunman by the Secret Service at the boundary of Trump’s West Palm Beach golfing ground.
Exemplifying his renowned wit, Trump jovially informed Mr. Jackson of his relief at not requiring his medical services for the day. Mr. Jackson, who had personally attended to a minor injury to Mr. Trump’s ear while on their travels, following a close run-in with deadly risk at a rally in Butler, Pa., was appreciative and relieved to hear about Trump’s wellbeing.
In quintessential Trump-style, the ex-President responded to Jackson’s inquiry about the incident and his health with a light-hearted, ‘I can’t believe this happened,’ highlighting his robust mindset even in the face of startling circumstances. In spite of the unsettling reality, Trump affirmed his confidence, crediting it to the competency and effectiveness of his security team.
Trump was on the golf course that afternoon, indulging in a friendly game with the entrepreneur and campaign sponsor, Steve Witkoff. Suddenly, their leisurely session was disrupted when the sound of gunshots pierced the usual calm ambiance around 1:30 p.m. In typical protective formation, Secret Service agents were scoping out potential dangers ahead of Trump’s path.
The scenario escalated when an agent observed the muzzle of a possible semi-automatic weapon peeking through nearby foliage. The agent immediately took action, discharging his own firearm at the suspect who then escaped the vicinity in a vehicle. Nonetheless, the suspect’s escape was short-lived and the local law enforcement authorities apprehended him later, officials reported.
Trump, unscathed and in high spirits after the incident, shared his personal account of the day with his advisors and close allies. His narrative was further broadcasted by a close friend, the Fox News host Sean Hannity, who presented a compelling firsthand account based on his conversations with both Trump and Mr. Witkoff.
On his Sunday Fox News segment, Hannity recounted, ‘They were on the fifth hole, about to putt,’ when they heard several gunshots. Instantly, the Secret Service agents sprang into action, closing in to safeguard the ex-President, before swiftly evacuating him in a fortified vehicle.
Trump, the embodiment of poise and grace under pressure, was subsequently escorted back to Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence in Palm Beach. In his signature style, Trump brushed off the incident with a joke saying that he was disappointed that the incident interrupted his game as he was about to shoot under par.
Sean Hannity, sharing more about Trump’s reaction, remarked that Trump had mentioned to him, ‘I was even and I had a birdie putt,’ reflecting Trump’s unparalleled capacity to handle such incidents with humour and nonchalance. This incident offers another testament to Trump’s indefatigable spirit and remarkable ability to remain focused on the task at hand.
Of course, it’s worth noting that Trump’s senior political advisers were not on the scene when the supposed attack unfolded. Their initial reaction on hearing the news was a mix of shock and an effort to comprehend the situation. It was indeed a daunting realization that another unsettling security incident had been averted, thanks to the Secret Service.
As the news settled in, expressions of relief and gratitude were the order of the day. Speaker Mike Johnson, in a heartfelt social media post that evening, expressed profound gratitude for Trump’s safety. Accompanied by his wife, Kelly, the couple had spent some quality hours with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and thanked the divine for his protection.
Mike Johnson’s post encapsulated a key assertion: ‘No leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient.’ The sentiment rings true for Trump’s supporters, who see in him a leader whose strength and resilience in face of repeated assaults is nothing short of admirable.
In a gracious closing note just before midnight, on his social media service, Truth Social, Trump extended heartfelt thanks to the Secret Service, law enforcement and Ric Bradshaw, the local sheriff. ‘THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!,’ he wrote, echoing the sentiments of countless fellow countrymen. The incident serves as a reminder of the relentless dedication of the individuals tasked with protecting our leaders, and reinforces the indomitable spirit of ex-President Donald J. Trump.