The chair of Republicans Overseas has told Premier he hopes the solidarity shown towards former US President Donald Trump after the assassination attempt helps to ‘dial down aggressive rhetoric’ surrounding the Presidential campaign.

Greg Swenson was speaking after world leaders put aside their political differences to pray for Mr Trump and everyone affected by the incident which happened at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

 He heard of the assassination attempt shortly after landing at an airport in Chicago and said he was “surprised and shocked. If he hadn't turned his head to the right, he would definitely have been killed. And so it was a really, really close call. It’s tragic, it’s absolutely sick.”

 President Biden has called on everybody to condemn what he described as a "sick" act of violence.

Greg Swenson agreed:

“It would be refreshing if it dialled down permanently the really aggressive rhetoric about him. It’s really not good for the country. I thought President Biden was very tasteful in not only his comments, but also by returning to the White House when he heard about the incident.”

“We should be praying for him, for his family, and for everyone involved and also pray that we can dial down the rhetoric that ultimately leads to these kinds of things. But I think this is a good moment to dial down the Trump derangement syndrome and dial down the hostility on both sides. That would be healthy for the country and definitely healthy for this election.”