Emotional Recollection from Susie Wills after Trump’s Shooting Incident

On July 9, 2025, Susie Wills, the White House Chief of Staff, shared her harrowing memories of the day President Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a thwarted assassination attempt on July 13, 2024. The assailant, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, narrowly missed taking Trump’s life.

During a conversation with Miranda Devine on her show, Podforce 1, Wills revealed that upon hearing the gunfire, her immediate reaction was that Trump was dead.

“When he was hit, we were just angry,” Wills reflected, emphasizing her belief that divine intervention saved him.

“In those critical moments, I urged him to come over to us. He looked away, lifted his head slightly, and it felt like it was meant to be—like God wanted him to survive,” she added.

Devine probed Wills about her initial feelings regarding Trump’s fate. She admitted, “Yes, I really thought he was gone. It seemed unreal. But when he stood up, I thought, ‘Well, maybe he’s okay.'”

“It was terrifying, and it changed everything for us,” Wills noted. “Before that, security wasn’t our primary focus. But after the incident, we were told to enhance security measures—no outdoor events, and we had to be on high alert.”

The event became one of the most defining moments in recent American political history, leading to reflections even from previous critics of Trump.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, commented on Trump’s response, calling it “one of the most shocking things I’ve witnessed.”

Since then, Trump has utilized many striking images from that day at the White House, sharing his journey of resilience.

In her sentiments, Wills stated, “He’s a true patriot who genuinely cares for this country. He sees his role as a chance to give back something meaningful.”