Donald Trump Gets More Bad News…C Legal Storm Intensifies for Trump With New Criminal Indictments
It has been nearly a year since the chilling and jaw-dropping moment in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a would-be assassin opened fire at then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. This moment, which many feared could have been fatal, became a defining chapter in Trump’s political comeback as he overcame the terrifying assassination attempt. In an exclusive excerpt from the upcoming book
2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, obtained by The Washington Post, Trump shared his perspective on the events that followed the shooting, revealing just how close he came to death.
The book explores not just the immediate aftermath of the shooting, but the long-lasting impact it had on Trump’s image, his political fortunes, and his relationship with former critics. This assassination attempt, which took place on July 13, 2023, set the stage for a remarkable transformation in Trump’s campaign.
The Butler Assassination Attempt: A Close CallA Bullet Fired at Trump
On that fateful day, Trump had just stepped off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a sniper, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, took aim at the former president. Positioned on a rooftop about 100 yards away from the rally, Crooks fired at Trump. The shot rang out, sending immediate shockwaves through the crowd and the Secret Service. Trump was caught in the crosshairs of a life-threatening assassination attempt.
In an extraordinary display of professionalism and quick action, Secret Service agents immediately rushed Trump, tackling him to the ground and securing him away from the sniper’s line of fire. They quickly evacuated him from the venue, and the chaos that ensued was the stuff of nightmares. The attack on Trump was the last thing anyone had expected, yet it happened so suddenly and with such precision that even those closest to him feared for the worst.
The book reveals that, despite the severity of the situation, Trump was surprisingly composed. “Trump was sitting up in bed, still wearing his suit. A bandage covered his ear. There was blood everywhere,” the book recounts. The amount of blood was so severe that even his closest aides were convinced that Trump had been shot multiple times. The bleeding was intense and far beyond what anyone had anticipated, which led to serious concerns about his condition.
Trump himself later recalled the harrowing experience, commenting in an interview that the blood loss was so substantial that it almost felt like he was losing control. “It was bleeding like a b****,” Trump said, referring to the amount of blood he was losing. However, despite the traumatic events and the grave situation, Trump showed a level of resilience that was almost unexpected.
The Humor That Followed: Trump’s Resilience in the Face of Danger
One of the most striking aspects of Trump’s recovery was his ability to inject humor into the situation, even in the face of danger. Within hours of the assassination attempt, Trump began making jokes, lightening the mood in what could have been a grim and somber hospital room. His aides, who were initially shaken by the gravity of the situation, began to relax when they realized Trump was alive and in relatively good spirits.
According to the book, this was a defining moment for Trump’s resilience. “They realized he was alright because he started making jokes,” the authors write. His ability to regain his sense of humor, even in the midst of such a traumatic event, reflected his mental strength and determination to survive. This humor became a hallmark of his recovery, and his aides quickly saw that Trump’s toughness extended beyond just his physical survival—it was a mental and emotional strength that helped him recover.
Trump’s Comeback and the Transformation of His CampaignFrom Candidate to Survivor
What was initially seen as a near-fatal event quickly became a cornerstone of Trump’s political comeback. In the days that followed the assassination attempt, Trump’s image shifted dramatically. He was no longer just a candidate seeking re-election; he had become a survivor of a potentially fatal attack. This brush with death, coupled with his remarkable recovery, reinvigorated his supporters and even drew praise from his former critics. The assassination attempt added a new dimension to Trump’s public persona. He was no longer just another political figure—he had become a symbol of survival, resilience, and perseverance.
Trump himself reflected on the close proximity of the shot during an interview. “130 yards is like sinking a one-foot putt,” he said, referring to the sniper’s distance. “It’s considered really close,” he continued, emphasizing just how close he came to death. The fact that he was able to survive such a close-range attack only added to the narrative of his political comeback, making him a more formidable figure in the eyes of both supporters and detractors.
The Impact on His 2024 Campaign
In the wake of the shooting, Trump’s campaign took on a new tone. The narrative was no longer solely about policy or rhetoric—it was about survival. His strength in the face of adversity became a major talking point. His supporters rallied behind him, viewing him as a figure who had not only withstood a deadly attack but had emerged even stronger for it. The symbolism of his survival resonated deeply with his base, who saw it as evidence of his resilience and determination.
Additionally, Trump’s recovery process and his response to the assassination attempt marked a turning point in the 2024 election race. His campaign, which had initially been struggling to gain momentum, saw a surge in support as people rallied around his story of survival. The moment of his near-death experience became a powerful symbol, solidifying his place in the race and giving him a renewed sense of political legitimacy.
Unexpected Support from Former Critics
What was even more surprising, however, was the shift in attitude from some of Trump’s most vocal critics. Figures like Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, had long been antagonistic toward Trump. However, after witnessing his survival of the assassination attempt, both men publicly reassessed their views of the former president.
Bezos, in particular, was quoted as saying that Trump’s instincts showed who he was as a person. “Bezos said Trump’s instincts showed who he was, and he wanted them to have a friendship,” the book reveals. For many observers, this marked a dramatic shift in the political landscape. Some of Trump’s fiercest critics were now reaching out, acknowledging his strength and resilience.
Zuckerberg, too, was impressed by Trump’s ability to recover from such a traumatic event. Describing the moment when Trump pumped his fist in the air after the shooting, Zuckerberg remarked that it was “one of the most badass things” he’d ever seen. This unexpected support from two of Silicon Valley’s most influential figures illustrated just how transformative the assassination attempt had been for Trump’s public image.
Donald Trump Gets Bad News About His Tariff Plan From Americans in New Poll
President-Elect Donald Trump is seen on December 7 in Paris. A majority of Americans are bracing themselves for Trump\’s proposed tariffs, accord…Read More | Oleg Nikishin/Getty ImagesWhat\’s New
A majority of Americans are bracing themselves for President-elect Donald Trump\’s proposed tariffs, according to a poll that was published on Monday.
In a WalletHub Fed Rate survey of 200 Americans this month, 74 percent of Americans said Trump\’s possible tariffs would likely lead to more inflation down the line as it remains above the Federal Reserve\’s 2 percent target.
Newsweek has reached out to Trump\’s transition team via email for comment on Monday afternoon.
Why It Matters
Trump centered his presidential campaign on his strong economic policies, often calling into question the Joe Biden\’s administration\’s impact on the U.S. economy and high inflation.
However, Trump\’s policies, especially his plans to implement tariffs on different countries, like China, Canada and Mexico, could cause prices to rise across a variety of sectors.
Trump said he would impose tough new tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless both countries do more to tackle the flow of undocumented migrants and drugs over their borders with the United States.
The president-elect also campaigned on a promise to introduce heavy tariffs against China until it cracks down on the production of materials used to make fentanyl as well as a possible universal tariff on all imports to the U.S.
President-Elect Donald Trump reacts during his meeting with Prince William, Prince of Wales at the Embassy of the United Kingdom’s Residence on D…Read More | Oleg Nikishin/Getty ImagesWhat To Know
Already, Americans say they are feeling the pain from inflation on their wallet, with nearly nine in 10 saying inflation is still an issue, according to the WalletHub\’s report. Meanwhile, more than 3 in 4 people currently think inflation is a bigger issue than the job market.
Trump focused on tariffs during his campaign as a way to protect American jobs and punish countries like China, which often produce goods with cheap labor and bad working conditions.
The president-elect\’s tariff plans generally concern a 60 percent extra cost on Chinese goods and up to 20 percent on imports from other countries.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicted that the tariffs could cost the U.S. between $46 billion and $78 billion per year in lost purchasing power. An estimate from the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) predicted that middle-income families could face annual losses of at least $2,500.
What People Are Saying
Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek: “This is basic economics. When companies face higher prices for imports, they pass those costs onto consumers in the form of increased prices, which contributes to inflation on goods.”
Thompson said the high number of Americans who think Trump\’s policies could actually lead to worse inflation and economic realities is not surprising even amid Trump\’s strong Republican voting base.
“It is not surprising when tribalism takes hold, emotions often override logic, particularly when it comes to economics. Many people voted for change—what felt good—without fully considering how that change would play out in reality,” he said.
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “The primary fear—and rightfully so—is any tariff added to particular countries and industries would result in those costs being passed on to the consumer.”
He added: “So far, Trump has simply warned of tariffs being imposed on countries that didn\’t make adjustments based on his demands, but if they\’re enacted, it certainly could impact the wallets of millions of Americans. I think the hope right now is cooler heads will prevail, and the proposed tariffs will remain just that, a proposal.”
Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of michaelryanmoney.com, previously told Newsweek: “These tariffs would certainly mean higher prices for us American consumers. Retailers/importers will pass these increased costs onto shoppers, driving up the price of everyday items like toasters and washing machines.”
What Happens Next
During his first presidency, Trump enacted tariffs on solar panels and washing machines in 2018, at a range of 30 to 50 percent. He also added a 25 percent tariff on steel and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum for many countries. It affected imports from China, Europe, Canada and Mexico.
While Trump has continued to be vocal in his plans to enforce the new tariffs once he returns to office in January, not all analysts expect the tariffs would get approved that easily.
“Approval will depend on whether a bipartisan consensus can be reached in the House of Representatives,” Thompson told Newsweek. “During his administration, many of Trump\’s campaign promises were blocked, even when his party controlled both chambers of Congress. Whether this plan succeeds will depend on the political climate and the priorities of Congress.”
Grief is one of the few shared experiences that binds humanity together, no matter where people come from or what languages they speak. It is universal in its reach yet profoundly unique in the way each individual experiences it. At some point, every person must face the reality of parting with someone they love deeply. Yet while sorrow often unfolds in silence behind closed doors, there are rare moments when the weight of loss is carried in public view, stirring emotions far beyond the family directly affected.
One such moment emerged through the story of Erika Kirk, a devoted wife and mother whose farewell to her late husband transformed from a personal tragedy into a collective reflection. What began as a family’s intimate moment of mourning grew into something much larger—a national conversation about the fragility of life, the endurance of love, and the strength of memory.
The turning point of that evening came when Erika’s young daughter innocently asked a simple question: “Where’s Daddy?” That single phrase, voiced with purity and confusion, reshaped the atmosphere of the room. For Erika, the impact was overwhelming, and the collapse that followed echoed far beyond the walls of the service.
What could have been a fleeting moment of private grief instead became an enduring symbol of love’s resilience and of how vulnerability, when shared, can unite strangers in empathy and compassion.
Every farewell carries its own gravity, but on that evening, the atmosphere felt particularly heavy. The setting was serene yet solemn. Soft candlelight flickered against polished wood, creating shadows that moved gently with the flames. The quiet hum of whispered prayers floated through the room, filling the silence with reverence.
Friends, family, and neighbors sat together, their faces reflecting different shades of sorrow. Some clutched tissues, others rested their hands on the shoulders of loved ones beside them. A few bowed their heads in prayer, while others stared blankly ahead, lost in their own reflections. Though everyone processed grief differently, they were united by the collective purpose of honoring a life that had ended too soon.
When Erika appeared at the doorway, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Murmurs quieted. Eyes turned toward her. She entered with slow steps, pausing briefly as if gathering strength with each movement. Her right hand pressed firmly to her chest, as though holding her heart together, while the other reached for the wall for balance. Her face revealed both exhaustion and determination—an expression of someone who carried unimaginable sorrow yet sought to remain strong for her child.
As Erika approached the front of the room, the stillness deepened. Each step brought her closer to the casket that held the memories of her husband’s life, and closer to a truth she was still struggling to accept.
Then, amid the quiet, a small voice rang out.
“Where’s Daddy?”
Two simple words—innocent, direct, and filled with confusion—cut through the silence like a bell. They were not rehearsed or planned, but born of a child’s natural longing for a parent. For those present, the question struck a deep chord. It revealed the stark contrast between a child’s hopeful innocence and the painful reality of loss that adults understood all too well.
For Erika, those words pierced through the fragile composure she had been holding onto. Her body faltered, her knees weakened, and she leaned forward toward the casket. Her arms stretched out as if searching for an anchor in a world that suddenly felt like it was slipping away.
In that moment, Erika’s strength gave way to raw grief. She fell against the casket, clutching it tightly, as sobs overcame her. Her shoulders trembled, her tears spilled freely, and the room fell into a stunned silence. It was an image of sorrow so unguarded and unfiltered that no one who witnessed it could look away.
Though meant to be a private farewell, the moment did not remain within those walls. With the presence of cameras and the speed of modern communication, the images and video soon reached millions of people across the country. Broadcasts, online platforms, and countless social shares carried Erika’s grief into living rooms and onto phone screens far away.
What struck people was not only her visible sorrow but the universality of the moment. Here was a wife mourning the love of her life, a child longing for a father, and a family wrestling with the permanence of goodbye. It was not just their tragedy—it reflected something every human being understands: the inevitability of love, loss, and remembrance.
As silence held the room, Erika lifted her tear-streaked face. With trembling lips and a breaking voice, she whispered words to her husband that would be remembered long after the service:
“I love you. I love you. God bless you.”
They were not elaborate or poetic, but their simplicity gave them power. They were both farewell and affirmation—an expression of love that refused to be silenced by loss. For those who later heard them, they served as a reminder that affection must be spoken, gratitude must be shared, and love must be expressed before time slips away.
Across the country, countless individuals were moved. In homes, couples exchanged tender words, parents embraced their children more tightly, and families reflected on the importance of treasuring moments that might otherwise be overlooked. Erika’s whispered goodbye reminded millions of what truly matters.
In one of the most unforgettable gestures of the evening, Erika pressed her cheek gently against her husband’s hand. She leaned fully onto the casket, holding it as if refusing to let go. To many who saw it, the act was not one of surrender but one of quiet defiance—a refusal to let love be extinguished by finality.
The image embodied a profound truth: love does not vanish with loss. It transforms. It becomes memory, legacy, and a guiding force that continues to influence lives long after physical presence is gone.
The silence that followed in the room was palpable, almost sacred. Some wept openly, others prayed silently, but all knew they were witnessing a moment that transcended words. It was grief, yes—but it was also proof of enduring love.
By the next morning, Erika’s farewell was being discussed across the nation. News programs replayed the moment, talk shows reflected on it, and social platforms filled with messages of compassion. Strangers who had never met Erika shared condolences, prayers, and reflections of their own.
Parents hugged their children more tightly, reminded of life’s fragility. Couples held hands a little longer, grateful for the gift of togetherness. Families lingered during their goodbyes, unwilling to rush moments that suddenly seemed precious.
The phrase “Where’s Daddy?” echoed far and wide, not only as the question of one child but as a reminder of the tender conversations families everywhere face when explaining life’s most difficult realities.
Erika’s farewell offered more than sorrow—it carried lessons that reached beyond one family’s grief:
Life is fragile. None of us knows how much time we will have with the people we love.
Love must be spoken. Words of gratitude, affection, and kindness should not be postponed.
Grief is universal. Though it takes different forms, everyone will eventually face it.
Community matters. Compassion, whether from close friends or distant strangers, helps ease the burden of loss.
Her story became not just a personal farewell but a mirror in which millions recognized their own vulnerabilities, their own memories of those they had lost, and their own responsibilities to cherish the time they still have.
The images of Erika’s collapse, her whispered goodbye, and her embrace of the casket endure today not as symbols of despair but as proof of love’s strength. They remind us that grief, though painful, is evidence of a love that was real, deep, and meaningful.
Love does not end with life—it lingers in memory, in influence, and in every moment we continue to carry it forward. For Erika and her daughter, the journey ahead will be shaped not only by their loss but also by the enduring presence of love that cannot be erased.
What unfolded that evening was not merely a farewell—it was a universal message about devotion, vulnerability, and resilience. Erika’s whispered words, her daughter’s innocent question, and her determined embrace continue to resonate because they speak to truths every person knows: love planted in the heart does not die. It transforms, it strengthens, and it remains in the way we live, remember, and carry forward.
Her story is not one of despair but of enduring hope. It stands as a reminder to cherish every day, to hold close the people we care about, and to honor the legacies of those we have lost by living with love at the center of our lives.
The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, has left America shaken. In the midst of this national grief, a powerful and emotional gesture came from the NFL world.
Mahomes, who is widely admired not just for his talent but also for his leadership and character, explained his decision with heartfelt sincerity. “I’m also a father, and I understand the loss his family feels at this moment. No child should ever face the future wondering if they will be taken care of. If I can ease that pain and help secure their future, I feel it is my responsibility to step in,”
Within minutes of his announcement, social media erupted. Hashtags like #MahomesStrong, #SupportForKirk, and #ChiefsCare began trending on X, with fans praising Mahomes for his compassion and leadership off the field. Many users noted that while his achievements on the gridiron are historic, it is acts like these that define his true legacy. One comment read,
Charlie Kirk’s family issued a statement filled with gratitude. “We are humbled by Patrick Mahomes’s generosity. In our darkest hour, he has brought us light and comfort. Charlie always believed in the American spirit of community, and Mahomes’s support shows that spirit lives on,”
Inside the Chiefs organization, teammates and staff applauded Mahomes’s decision. Many expressed pride in their quarterback for setting an example of compassion and civic duty. His gesture also inspired discussions across the NFL about creating a
Mahomes’s words — “I’m also a father, I understand the loss of his family at this time”
As America continues to mourn Charlie Kirk, Patrick Mahomes’s pledge will be remembered as a defining moment — one that transcends sports and highlights the power of empathy. In grief, he provided hope. In tragedy, he brought unity. And in doing so, he reminded the nation that heroes are not only found on the field, but also in the compassion they show when the world needs it most.
King Charles Hospitalized — Prince Harry Returns to Visit His Ailing Father In a development that has sent shockwaves across the United Kingdom, King Charles III has been rushed to hospital, prompting his estranged younger son, Prince Harry, to make an unexpected return to Britain. The sudden convergence of health crisis and family reunion has drawn global attention, marking one of the most emotionally charged moments for the royal family in recent memory.
“This is a precautionary measure,” the statement read, “but His Majesty’s condition requires attention and rest.” The news has ignited public concern, with crowds already gathering outside the
hospital to leave flowers and messages of support for the monarch. Harry’s Return Sparks Intense Attention Within hours of the announcement, Prince Harry was spotted arriving at Heathrow Airport on a discreet flight from California. Sources confirm that he was escorted directly to Buckingham Palace, where he met with senior aides before being driven to the hospital to see his father.
It is the first time Harry has returned to Britain in several months, and the first known in-person meeting between father and son since their reported private conversation earlier this year. Observers say Harry appeared “visibly tense but deeply concerned” as he entered the hospital through a side entrance, avoiding the press. A Family Moment Under Scrutiny
The reunion comes after years of strained relations between Harry and the rest of the royal family, following his decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 and his subsequent public criticism of palace life. Despite their differences, palace insiders say King Charles has privately expressed affection for Harry, and the urgency of the King’s hospitalization appears to have cut through the layers of distance. “This is no longer about politics or protocol,” said one insider. “This is about a son seeing his father when it matters most.”
Public Reaction News of Harry’s sudden return has dominated headlines and social media, where hashtags like #PrayForTheKing and #HarryComesHome are trending worldwide. Messages of support have poured in from political leaders, celebrities, and royal watchers, many expressing hope that this moment of crisis might also bring reconciliation. Looking Ahead As King Charles remains under observation, Buckingham Palace has urged the public to remain calm and respectful. Meanwhile, royal commentators say Harry’s visit could mark the beginning of a fragile healing process within the House of Windsor. For now, the focus remains on the King’s health — and the image of a concerned son crossing continents to stand by his father’s side has captured hearts around the world.