Trump says knew he was 'under attack' during rally shooting

MILWAUKEE - Donald Trump said he instantly knew he was "under attack" during the assassination attempt on his life over the weekend, in the former US president's first speech since the incident.

"I immediately knew it was very serious, that we were under attack," he told the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, but "in a certain way, felt very safe because I had God on my side."

Trump predicted an "incredible victory" in accepting the Republican presidential nomination from a party euphoric over his escape from assassination and buoyed by the apparent implosion of Joe Biden's reelection campaign.

"We will have an incredible victory, and we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country," Trump said at the Republican convention in Milwaukee.

"I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America," Trump said, still sporting a bandage over his ear.

Trump took the stage to chants of "USA" from a crowd members of which have talked of him in divine terms.

Senior Trump advisor Jason Miller told AFP that "nothing fundamentally changes" for Trump if Biden drops out.

Trump's family was in attendance, with son Eric rousing the crowd into a chant of "fight, fight, fight!"

Trump's wife Melania, who has been mostly absent throughout the campaign, arrived to applause but did not speak -- a remarkable break with US political convention at such events.

Supporters have been lining up all week to applaud the former president for his bravery since the weekend attack by a gunman at a Pennsylvania rally.