Former President Donald Trump struck a starkly different tone from his usual high-energy rallies, confusing Americans who blasted the speech as "low-energy" — and sounding more like a high-schooler reading directly off their notes.
Trump took the stage Thursday, publicly addressing the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, that nearly claimed his life Saturday. At one point a somber Trump thanked God, who he said was looking over him, and kissed the fire helmet of the man slain at his rally.
"I'm not supposed to be here tonight," he told MAGA supporters, who responded, "Yes you are!"
Trump also said "I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of Almighty God. Watching the reports over the last few days, many people say it was a providential moment. It probably was."
But Trump's tone, much like that of J.D. Vance, his vice presidential pick, confused both sides of the aisle.
Read also: Donald Trump starts fundraising off his own assassination attempt
"This is strange," noted Lincoln Project co-founder Mike Madrid.
"It’s creepy," retorted @MsMalarkey24.
"I can’t tell you a single thing that is more creepy than whatever this is," added @lalalitalive.
"So sleepy," remarked @DevonScanlon326.
"The media criticizes Joe Biden's speeches, but this is terrible," Democratic strategist Chris D. Jackson wrote. "Low energy and it sounds like a high schooler reading."
He added: "But I'm sure they will all give it rave reviews."
"False. This is middle school at best," jabbed @MarioNicolaiEsq.
"Feels like church revival crossed with high school pep rally," wrote @MooDogPress. "Religious overtones, cheering, and with gauze hiding ear said he is the one 'saving democracy.'"
Conservative Bill Kristol simply wrote, "Trump's too old."
