There was a lot of bravery shown in those moments. The Secret Service agents who ran to cover Trump (as opposed to the people who failed to secure the roof), even the photographers rushing to Trump’s side to do their job to let us know what was going on, at great risk to themselves, the people who went to the aid of the injured in the midst of the chaos.
But let’s talk about the quickness of former President Donald Trump under fire. First, dropping to the ground to protect himself. Then when the Secret Service came in to cover him, he immediately realized people would be very worried and upset about him, so he got up, pushed the Secret Service a little to the side enough to let the people see him, and raised his fist in defiance to let everyone know he was okay, even with blood dripping from his ear and face, despite the danger. When he did that a roar went up from the crowd, they were so relieved he was okay. But what bravery and presence of mind that took.
Bravery and Presence of Mind. Can we say that of anyone in our current presidential administration? Can we say that, in general, of anyone who calls themselves a leader?
If this assassination attempt did nothing else—and there’s much that still needs to be unpacked—it defined Donald Trump as a true leader. Not just any leader, but the leader we need right now. Let’s address presence of mind, a matter which, in the case of President Joe Biden, is sorely in question. Despite having been shot and bleeding, Trump had the presence of mind to quickly assess that if he allowed the Secret Service to rush him away without some acknowledgment on the state of his person, the rally crowd would not only have been confused, but more frightened and discombobulated than they already were. So he stood up, raised his fist, and shouted, “Fight.” That singular act is all the huge crowd needed to not only be calmed, but to dispel their own fear.
That’s leadership:
I keep thinking about the chaos that would have ensued in the aftermath of the shooting if Trump hadn’t signaled he was okay—while America waited to find out. That instinct to assure the public he was fine, like it or not, is leadership.
Leaders also effectively communicate. It took Biden almost two hours after the assassination attempt to address the nation. As soon as Trump was able, he communicated on his Truth Social social media platform to once again calm the American people. Offering reassurance over fear, and offering thanks to law enforcement and first responders, as well as condolences to the victims and their families.
