Dr. Ronny Jackson Recounts Assassination Attempt Aftermath and Care for Trump’s Ear Injury
On July 14, just a day after former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt, his former White House doctor, Representative Ronny Jackson, quickly stepped into his medical role to attend to Trump’s ear injury. Jackson, who had treated Trump during his presidency, replaced the dressing on Trump’s ear while the two were on a flight to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention.
The injury, caused by a bullet that grazed Trump’s ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, left a significant wound that required careful attention. Dr. Jackson explained that the top of Trump’s ear had been “taken off a little bit,” in a spot known for heavy bleeding. “The dressing’s bulked up a bit because you need a bit of absorbent. You don’t want to be walking around with bloody gauze on your ear,” Jackson remarked.
When the news broke about the assassination attempt, Dr. Jackson was in his home in Amarillo, Texas, preparing for the convention. He was watching the rally on his iPad when his wife, Jane, informed him that Trump had been shot. Shocked and horrified, Dr. Jackson immediately fast-forwarded the footage, struggling to process the events. “I feel helpless,” he admitted, knowing that he wasn’t there when his close friend needed him.
As his phone flooded with messages, Dr. Jackson arranged a flight to meet Trump wherever he was. Later that night, Trump called him directly. “I’m not taking a lot of calls, but this is my doctor. I’m taking this one,” Trump told him, and they discussed the next steps. Dr. Jackson reassured Trump that he was available for any medical help or to assist with the press, and Trump expressed his preference for him to be there in person.
Dr. Jackson also shared his admiration for Trump’s strength during the crisis. He recalled the powerful image of Trump, covered in blood but raising his fist in defiance and shouting “Fight,” a moment that, for Dr. Jackson, showcased Trump’s resilience.
By early morning on July 14, Dr. Jackson had arrived at Trump’s private club in Bedminster, New Jersey, ready to provide care and support for his patient.
