Incident further dents confidence in US leadership

Former US President Donald Trump was reported to be "fine" on Saturday night (local time) following what is reportedly an apparent assassination attempt that resulted in a wound to his ear.

The extreme event reflects the politically polarized society in the United States, where dissatisfaction with the elderly candidates in the coming election is rampant among voters. Both candidates represent starkly different policy directions, exacerbating the divide. Issues such as immigration and LGBTQ rights evoke strong emotions and divergent values, leading some individuals to extreme measures.

The acrimonious struggle between the two parties has created a tumultuous environment. Against this backdrop, it is foreseeable that this incident will spark a new storm as election day approaches. The incident significantly boosts Trump's chances of winning, as it shifts the narrative from his legal troubles and moral shortcomings, making him a national hero targeted for assassination. This is reminiscent of the Chen Shui-bian shooting incident in Taiwan during the island's leadership election campaign in 2004, where a single bullet transformed public perception. Trump's previous controversies are overshadowed, and he is now seen as a potential martyr, with increased public sympathy.

The fallout from this event will increase the pressure on US President Joe Biden, who now faces reduced space to criticize Trump and increasing calls from within his party to withdraw from the race. Prominent figures such as former House speaker Nancy Pelosi have already hinted at his possible withdrawal. The attack has amplified these pressures, making it harder for Biden to campaign effectively.

Internationally, this incident projects an image of instability within the US, diminishing the US' standing on the global stage. A sign of the significant internal strife, the incident will lead to a further decline in international confidence in US leadership.

— CHEN QI, CENTER FOR US-CHINA RELATIONS AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY