OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former President Donald Trump’s one-time White House physician has provided a big update on his condition following last week’s assassination attempt, where he narrowly escaped death when a bullet grazed Trump’s right ear.
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), who served as then-President Barack Obama’s physician as well before remaining in his post when Trump began his term, called the 45th president’s survival “an absolute miracle” after dodging the bullet during a rally in Butler, Pa.
In a letter addressed to the “concerned citizens of the United States” posted to the X platform, Jackson said that Trump is “doing well.”
“I have been with President Trump since that time, and I have evaluated and treated his wound daily. He is doing well,” Jackson wrote. “As reported and witnessed by the entire world, he sustained a gunshot wound to right ear from a high-powered rifle used by the would be assassin.”
MY FULL STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RECOVERY POST-ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT. pic.twitter.com/24OokVxfXf
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) July 20, 2024
Jackson said that Trump is still suffering from “intermittent bleeding,” which requires “dressing to be in place,” but otherwise is doing fine though he still needs a dressing in place like the one he donned at the Republican National Convention last week. He was joined by his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, for their first rally together and Trump’s first since the assassination attempt on Saturday in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Jackson revealed the bullet “came less than a quarter of an inch” from entering Trump’s head, producing a “2 cm wide wound that extended down the cartilaginous surface of the ear.” The presidential physician said there was “initially significant bleeding,” which resulted in “marked swelling” of Trump’s “entire upper ear.”
Initially, Trump was taken to Butler Memorial Hospital near the rally site, the letter said. Jackson added that the local hospital “provided a thorough evaluation for additional injuries,” including a CT scan of the former president’s head.
NEW: Harrowing footage emerges showing President Trump being rushed to the ER after assassination attempt pic.twitter.com/to9wYI7OCn
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 17, 2024
A huge THANK YOU to the incredible men and women at Butler Memorial Hospital in Butler, Pennsylvania. Each and every one of you were truly unbelievable upon @realDonaldTrump’s arrival. We THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts❤️🙏
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) July 14, 2024
Trump will undergo further medical evaluation, including “a comprehensive hearing exam, as needed.” He will also have a follow-up visit “with his primary care physician as directed by the doctors” who initially evaluated his gunshot wound, Jackson revealed.
“In summary, former President Trump is doing well, and he is recovering as expected from the gunshot wound sustained last Saturday afternoon,” Jackson wrote. “I am extremely thankful his life was spared. It is an absolute miracle he wasn’t killed.”
Trump recounted the harrowing incident during his RNC speech but he vowed that would be the last time he did so publicly because it is “too painful.”
“It was a warm, beautiful day in the early evening in Butler Township in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Music was loudly playing and the campaign was doing really well. I went to the stage, and the crowd was cheering wildly. Everybody was happy. I began speaking very strongly, powerfully, and happily,” he added.
Trump then described how he turned his head at the last second, which likely saved his life as a bullet whizzed by, grazing his right ear.
“I immediately knew it was very serious that we were under attack and in one movement proceeded to drop to the ground. Bullets were continuing to fly as very brave Secret Service agents rushed to the stage and they really did, they rushed to the stage. These are great people. At great risk, I will tell you. And pounced on top of me, so that I would be protected,” he continued.
“There was blood pouring everywhere, and yet, in a certain way, I felt very safe because I had God on my side. I felt that. The amazing thing is that prior to the shot, if I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin’s bullet would have perfectly hit its mark.”
Trump added: “I am not supposed to be here tonight. I’m not supposed to be here.”
