Donald Trump makes surprising 'extreme' comment in defiant speech

Donald Trump has blasted Project 2025 as "seriously extreme" during his return to the campaign trail, just a week after surviving an assassination attempt.

The former president received a hero's welcome from the MAGA crowd in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he appeared alongside his vice-presidential pick, JD Vance.

With a noticeably smaller bandage on his right ear, Trump told the gathered supporters: "Some on the right, the severe right, came up with this Project 2025 .

• Barron Trump and Melania whereabouts when Donald was shot during rally

• Donald Trump shooter's neighbor describes his 'bad vibes' and what he said that 'didn't feel right'

You have the radical left and you have the radical right. You read some of the things and they are extreme. They are seriously extreme."

At 78, Trump emphasized that he is not an extremist himself. This comes after he formally announced Vance as his running mate at the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin earlier in the week.

The previous Saturday saw a shocking incident at a Pennsylvania rally where Trump was shot in the right ear, resulting in him being bloodied. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot by Secret Service agents immediately following his attack.

The violent episode resulted in one death and two critical injuries. Trump made a poignant entry into the convention hall in Wisconsin on Monday, still sporting a bandage over his ear.

• Data reveals most common dog illnesses across US states

During Thursday's convention, Trump reflected on the assassination attempt, describing it as a close call.

"I'm not supposed to be here...I had God on my side," he stated.

Michigan is recognized as a key swing state that could determine the outcome of the presidential election. In 2016, Trump managed to secure Michigan by a slim margin of just over 10,000 votes.

President Joe Biden had to call off campaign events after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier this week. The 81-year-old is currently in isolation in Delaware.

Despite mounting pressure from his own party to step down following a shaky performance in last month's presidential debate, Biden remains resolute in his fight for a second term.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .