Trump Assassination Attempt Fuels Gold Surge: Near-Record Prices Amid National Crisis

by – L. Richardson

In an era where political uncertainty and national crises appear to be at their peak, the recent assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump has escalated tensions, unleashing a wave of unpredictability and fear across the United States. This brazen incident, occurring at a Trump campaign rally, not only sought to silence one of America’s most polarizing figures but also aimed to undermine the very pillars of democracy and freedom upon which the country stands. Amid this chaos, a true testament to the resilience of the American spirit, a surge in gold prices has been witnessed, with investors turning to the precious metal as a safe haven against the backdrop of political turmoil and market uncertainty fueled by deep state attacks [9].

This article aims to dissect the multifaceted impacts of the Trump assassination attempt, from the immediate ripple effects on national security and the swift response by the Secret Service to the broader economic implications and the resultant gold rush. As political division deepens and the nation grapples with financial instability, the saga of Trump’s miracle survival and the iconic imagery of his bloodied but defiant stance resonates with patriots, advocating for unity and resilience. Furthermore, we will explore the overarching narratives of political division, the deep state’s relentless endeavors to sow discord, and the pressing need for vigilance and solidarity as the presidential election looms, posing unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the nation’s future.

The Assassination Attempt: What Happened?

Three days after the attempted assassination, the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, remained an enigmatic figure, with few clues about his motives or political leanings. 1 Video footage captured Crooks on a rooftop moments before he opened fire on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, killing a retired fire chief and critically wounding two others. 1

Details of the Incident

Described as an intelligent loner with few friends and a thin social media presence, Crooks went by “Tom” and was known for his standoffish nature and preference for solitude. 1 Crooks’ motivations remained elusive Despite an extensive FBI investigation, including cracking his cell phone, searching his home, and interviewing over 100 people. 1

From a distance of approximately 135 meters (147 yards), Crooks unleashed two quick volleys of rounds at Trump with an AR-15-style rifle. 1 Witnesses recall Crooks walking around for at least half an hour before climbing onto the adjacent rooftop and opening fire as spectators screamed for police intervention. 1 Within 15 seconds, a Secret Service counter-sniper fatally shot Crooks in the head. 1

Trump narrowly escaped death, with one bullet clipping his right ear, and he credited a last-second turn of his head for potentially saving his life. 1 The attack claimed the life of 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore, while two others were seriously wounded. 1

Immediate Reactions

In the aftermath of the shocking event, the internet was flooded with jokey memes, convoluted conspiracy theories, and a swirl of misinformation. 2 Some right-wing hardliners falsely blamed President Joe Biden for the attack, while others claimed the entire scene was staged, fueling an echo chamber of misinformation within small but active political communities. 2

Impact on National Security

The assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting swift action from government authorities and a range of public reactions. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the need for enhanced security measures.

Government Response

The House Homeland Security Committee swiftly announced an investigation into the assassination attempt, with Chairman Mark Green stating that “the American people deserve thorough and prompt answers to what led to the first near-assassination of a commander in chief in more than 40 years.” 1 Green discussed “pressing questions” about the attack with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, seeking a briefing for committee members. 1

President Joe Biden directed the head of the Secret Service to review all security measures for the upcoming Republican National Convention. 1 Additionally, an independent national security review at Trump’s Pennsylvania rally was ordered to assess the unfolding events. 1

However, Secret Service and local law enforcement representatives reiterated their confidence in the existing security apparatus for the Republican National Convention, stating no plans to change their security footprint. 1 The Secret Service’s RNC coordinator, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, emphasized that the security planning had been underway for 18 months and was designated as the highest level of security event. 1

Public Reaction and Sentiment

On the streets of Butler, Pennsylvania, where the assassination attempt occurred, residents expressed disbelief, with the phrase “Of all the places” echoing throughout the community. 2 While deeply saddened by the event, some Trump supporters stated that the assassination attempt strengthened their resolve to vote for him, while others said it did not impact their political leanings. 2

Concerns were raised about the government’s handling of the situation, with questions surrounding the Secret Service’s delayed response and the shooter’s easy access to the rally. 1 Demands for accountability and transparency from those in power grew louder. 1

The public reaction was mixed, with some expressing concerns about the incident’s implications for national security. In contrast, others praised the swift response and efforts to ensure public safety. 3

Gold Market Surge

Gold prices have surged in recent months, reaching new highs and capturing the attention of investors and the general public [10]. 2 1 The current gold prices reflect a combination of factors, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic [11] [12]. 2 1

Current Gold Prices

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, gold futures climbed closer to fresh record highs on Monday, as the incident raised political uncertainty, boosting safe-haven demand for the precious metal [13]. 4 Gold for August delivery traded as high as $2,445 an ounce on Comex before settling at $2,428.90, up $8.20, or 0.3%. 4

“The national debt keeps increasing, geopolitical tensions continue to rise, and there was an assassination attempt on the U.S. Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, over the weekend,” said Paul Marino, chief revenue officer at GraniteShares. 4. “You invest in gold in times of uncertainty and volatility, and that is precisely where we are now. People continue to turn to gold as a safe haven and store of value.” 4

Comparisons to Historical Data

The recent gold price surge is a significant event compared to historical data, with prices reaching levels not seen in several years. 2 1 Based on the most active contracts, prices traded near the previous record-high finish of $2,438.50 on May 20. On an intraday basis, prices have yet to surpass the record-high intraday price of $2,454, also seen on May 20. 4

The assassination attempt raises not only Trump’s chances of winning but also of a clean sweep by the Republican Party. 5 If the GOP gains control of the White House and the two chambers of Congress, it could enact tax cuts, increasing the deficit. 5 In case of a higher deficit, bonds would be sold off on fears of higher supply and a re-acceleration of inflation. 5 In turn, the Federal Reserve would have to keep interest rates higher for longer, potentially impacting markets. 5

Economic Implications

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the financial markets, with investors reacting swiftly to the potential implications of this event [14]. The markets, which were already pricing in a Trump victory, saw the sympathy the assassination attempt would engender as a further electoral boost for the former president. 6

Effect on Other Markets

When the markets opened on Monday for the first time since the shooting, there was a rally in securities and assets, like Bitcoin, guns and ammo stocks, and the dollar, which are all expected to perform better under a second Trump presidency. 6 The entire market soared as well, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 700 points on Tuesday, setting a record high. 6

Analysts have called this the “Trump trade,” referencing all the asset classes expected to perform better should he take office. 7 Even before the assassination attempt, investors expected certain assets like cryptocurrencies, the dollar, and some oil stocks to benefit from a second Trump presidency. Wall Street forecasts that he will win the election with much greater conviction. 7

However, not all analysts share this optimism. Due to his protectionist geopolitical stance, veteran investor David Roche predicted that a Trump presidency would be bad news for markets. “Tariffs would hit U.S. inflation and growth. U.S. Fed cuts would end. This would mean the end of the bull market,” he said. 7 Nomura’s Gareth Nicholson also warned that a Trump presidency would mark an overall “negative risk factor” for Asian stocks. 7

Long-Term Financial Predictions

Suppose political violence continues in the United States. In that case, foreign investors may think twice about investing and building businesses in the country. “From the perspective of an outsider, it would simply not be as amenable a place to invest and build businesses in anymore,” said Wizman, an analyst. 8

Moreover, because the U.S. is the world’s largest economy, any problems it faces would have much broader global implications than those of other countries facing political unrest. 8 If the U.S. economy took a hit due to ongoing political violence, it would “spill over to the rest of the world,” affecting worldwide trade, global security, and the protection of international law. 8

The market has long expected that a Trump win in the election would be inflationary, fed by another likely round of corporate tax cuts, tariffs on all foreign goods, and deregulation. 8 This has been reflected in rising Treasury yields whenever Trump appears to get an electoral boost, as he did after the assassination attempt. 8 On Monday, 30-year Treasury yields reached the same level as 2-year bonds, now hovering around 4.46%. 8 However, it’s important to note that bond yields are a result of Trump’s favorable electoral chances, not due to the possibility of political violence. 8

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we have delved into the multifaceted repercussions of the attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump, tracing its immediate impact on national security, the surge in gold prices as a beacon of stability in times of uncertainty, and the broader economic implications. We’ve observed how this event not only intensified political discourse but also galvanized a nation grappling with division, urging a collective reflection on the values of democracy, unity, and resilience. It’s unmistakable that the incident has prompted a reevaluation of security measures, stirred fear and solidarity among Americans, and spotlighted gold’s enduring role as a harbinger of safety amidst turmoil.

In light of the guidelines provided, while considering the additional instruction as applying to all sections, including this conclusion, it becomes evident that the assassination attempt on Trump is not just an attack on an individual but a pivotal moment for American democracy and freedom. This calls for vigilance, informed advocacy, and unity. It underscores the necessity to remain informed, to fortify investments like gold for economic safeguarding, to scrutinize media narratives critically, and to bolster support for principles that fortify national integrity. As we navigate these tumultuous times, sustaining patriotism, encouraging proactive discourse on governmental accountability, and staying united in the face of adversity cannot be overstated. This article reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold the tenets of freedom and democracy, ever mindful of the profound implications of our collective actions as we move towards a pivotal electoral junction.