'God Bless the USA' performance at RNC: Lee Greenwood reflects on Trump's warrior spirit

On Monday evening, country star Lee Greenwood spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital about his experience performing "God Bless the USA" and introducing former President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 15.

Greenwood remarked that although this is his sixth RNC, it's also the 40th anniversary of writing and releasing his renowned song.

"Greenwood stated that it was the 40th anniversary of the Republican Party using "God Bless the USA" with Ronald Reagan at the '84 RNC, but there were significant differences last night."

Greenwood stated that the second night of the convention began with him emphasizing that the assassination attempt on President Trump's life would have significantly altered the world if he had been killed.

When I performed at the president's request, the band that was playing worked for me for 10 years, making them very familiar with my music. They did most of my USO tours, which made it more comfortable for me.

Greenwood stated that on the first night of the convention, despite not being advertised to be there, he aimed to energize the audience at the RNC.

As the president entered the room, surrounded by power, with Sen. JD Vance by his side and his family present, that's when I started singing. This has occurred approximately a dozen times during the campaign.

Greenwood stated, "We reached the conclusion of the song, and I gave him a salute, and he reciprocated — there was a moment of almost sacredness."

After the shocking events of Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman fired at Trump during his rally and the U.S. Secret Service had to rush Trump off the stage, people recognized that "he is alive. He is full of energy, and he's ready to move forward with the campaign."

And "I think everybody realized that," said Greenwood.

He's a warrior. He's courageous. He's defiant. And, as he tweeted, he won't let this change his campaign schedule or events.

"God had an angel looking out for him and protecting him at that moment."

God's protection was evident during the attempt on Trump's life, as he turned his head and avoided a fatal bullet.

Greenwood expressed pride in Trump's return to the RNC on Monday night, despite not being anticipated until later in the week.

Greenwood stated that he expects to perform for the Trump campaign during the current election cycle.

Greenwood stated that he was proud to see a very energized crowd at the convention, which included people of all ages, not just older delegates or attendees.

"I observed numerous 30-year-olds and 40-year-olds, who were enthusiastic not only about attending the event but also about the presidential election process."

Greenwood stated that in his upcoming conversation with Trump, if they were speaking face-to-face, he would naturally pray with him, as prayer can be beneficial.

"How is your health? Are you doing OK? How's your family?"

I would pray with him and hope for his good health. I would ask him about his health and family, and engage in a conversation about it.

Greenwood stated that Trump is a caring man who is a patriot and has been good to him and his family.

In the upcoming 2024 election, Greenwood expressed his hope that President Trump would be re-elected and continue to improve America.

In 1984, "God Bless the USA" by Greenwood became a hit, and it was later voted as the most recognizable patriotic song in America.

Over the years, Greenwood has received multiple music industry accolades, including the Academy of Country Music's Male Vocalist of the Year in 1983, two Country Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year awards in 1983 and 1984, and a Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance in 1985 for "I.O.U." He has a total of seven No. 1 songs and 25 charted singles.

In 1985, the Country Music Association designated "God Bless The U.S.A." as its Song of the Year.