"The effects of the assassination attempt on Trump are so far in line with authoritarian history. Chief among its aftereffects is a boost to Trump’s victimhood persona. He had always told his devoted followers that the 'enemies' were not going after him, but rather going after them, and he was 'just standing in the way.'”
~ Ruth Ben-Ghiat
"The July 13, 2024, assassination attempt will seem to validate that claim in the eyes of Trump’s faithful, especially since a person attending the rally was killed by the shooter and others were injured.
The attack has also brought Trump even more loyalty from followers bonded to him. …
Trump’s campaign has always had vengeance and retribution for those who persecute him, in his telling, as a central theme."