Donald Trump Recovers from Gunshot Wound After Assassination Bid

Former President Donald Trump's campaign provided an update on his health on Saturday, a week after he survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The memo, written by Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson, who was Trump's White House physician, detailed the injuries and treatment Trump received following the attack.

According to Jackson, Trump sustained a gunshot wound to his right ear from a high-powered rifle. The bullet came "less than a quarter of an inch from entering his head and struck the top of his right ear." Jackson described the wound as "2 cm wide, extending down to the cartilaginous surface of the ear," initially causing significant bleeding and swelling.

Details of Trump's Injury and Treatment

Trump's injury did not require sutures due to the broad and blunt nature of the wound. Jackson noted that while the swelling has subsided and the wound is healing properly, Trump still experiences intermittent bleeding. This necessitates the dressing seen at last week's Republican National Convention.

After the incident, Trump was treated at Butler Memorial Hospital. Medical staff conducted a thorough evaluation for additional injuries, including a CT scan of his head. Jackson mentioned that Trump will undergo further evaluations, such as a comprehensive hearing exam, as needed.

Ongoing Care and Support

Jackson has been closely monitoring Trump's recovery since the attack. He met with Trump in Bedminster, New Jersey, late Saturday after Trump returned from Pennsylvania to personally check on him and offer assistance. Jackson has been evaluating and treating Trump's wound daily.

The former president's first rally since the shooting took place in Michigan on Saturday. He was joined by his newly named running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Jackson traveled with Trump to Michigan for this event.

Uncertainty Surrounding Jackson's Credentials

There is some uncertainty regarding whether Jackson remains a licensed doctor. A spokesperson for Jackson did not immediately respond to inquiries about his current medical license status. Records from the American Board of Emergency Medicine indicate that Jackson's certification in Emergency Medicine was valid through the end of 2015.

Last year, Trump's campaign released a letter from Dr. Bruce A. Aronwald, a New Jersey physician who has been Trump's doctor since 2021. This letter was released on President Joe Biden's 81st birthday.

The recent memo is the first official update on Trump's condition since the night of the shooting. Jackson expressed deep concern for Trump's wellbeing following the attack and has been providing continuous care since then.

"In summary, former President Trump is doing well, and he is recovering as expected from the gunshot wound sustained last Saturday afternoon," Jackson added in his memo.