The Republican National Convention has culminated Thursday with former President Donald Trump’s acceptance of the party’s presidential nomination.
Here’s the latest:
Family Joins Trump on Stage
After more than an hour-and-a-half, former President Trump wrapped up a speech that outlined his vision for America.
He was joined on stage by his family as red, white, blue, and gold balloons fell from the ceiling onto the convention floor. Joining them was Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), and his wife, Usha Vance.
Trump: ‘Every Single Moment … Is a Gift from God’
“If the events of last Saturday make anything clear, it is that every single moment we have on Earth is a gift from God,” former President Trump said to Franklin Graham during his speech. “We have to make the most of every day for the people and for the country that we love.”
The would-be assassin in Pennsylvania, he said, “wanted to stop our movement.” But, he told the crowd, the movement was never about him.
“It has always been about you,” he said. “It’s your movement. The biggest movement in the history of our country.
“It has always been about the hardworking, patriotic citizens of America.”
Trump: People Should Have a Choice on Cars
Former President Donald Trump decried the Biden administration’s green energy and electric vehicle initiatives.
“I’m all for electric. They have their application, but if somebody wants to buy a gas-powered car, gasoline-powered car, or hybrid, they’re going to be able to do it,” he said.
Trump Promises to Build Iron Dome for America
Former President Trump said he wants to build an Iron Dome missile defense system for the entire United States.
“Israel has an Iron Dome,” he said. “They have a missile defense system. 342 missiles were shot into Israel and only one got through.”
He called back to President Ronald Reagan’s ambition for a missile defense system called Star Wars, saying the United States didn’t have the technology back then, but now it does.
“Now we have unbelievable technology,” he said. “And why should other countries have this?
“We’re gonna build an Iron Dome over our country and we’re going to be sure that nothing can come and harm our people,” he said.
“And again, from an economic development standpoint, you’re making it all right here. No more sending it out to other countries—it’s America first.”
Trump Threatens Those Holding Americans Hostage
Former President Trump called on those who are holding Americans hostage to release them or face repercussions.
“We want our hostages back and they better be back well, you will be paying a very big price,” he said.
Eight Americans have been held hostage by the Hamas terrorist group since Oct. 7, 2023, when it launched its attack on Israel.
Trump Looks at the ‘Chart That Saved My Life’
During his July 13 rally in Pennsylvania, former President Trump was looking and reading off a chart related to illegal immigration numbers when he was president. It was while looking at the chart that a bullet grazed his right ear.
It was the turning of his head to look at the chart that he said saved his life in the assassination attempt.
The “chart that saved my life” was displayed on screens as the former president spoke on July 18.
The crowd chanted, “Love that chart.”
Trump Calls Out China Virus
Former President Trump recalled the U.S.–China trade deal negotiated in early 2020 in which China agreed to buy $50 billion worth of American goods.
He said, “I don’t even talk about it because of COVID. I don’t even mention it frankly because of what happened with the China virus.”
He lamented the United States importing cars from China and abroad and pledged to enact a 100 percent to 200 percent tariff on cars not made in the United States, if elected.
Trump Gives Vance Shout Out
Former President Trump gave a shout out to his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio).
He lauded Mr. Vance’s law credential and noted that he and his wife, Usha Vance, met at Yale Law.
If the Trump–Vance ticket wins, Usha Vance will be the first spouse of a vice president of Indian descent and the first woman of color.
“You’re going to be doing this for a long time. Enjoy the ride,” former President Trump said, prompting Mr. Vance to respond with a thumbs up.
Former President Trump, if elected, will only be able to serve four years due to constitutional term limits.
Trump Honors Wife Melania in Speech
Former President Trump honored his wife, Melania, and thanked her for writing her letter to America calling for national unity
“I am deeply honored to be joined by my amazing wife Melania,” the former president said during his acceptance speech. “Melania, thank you very much.”
“It really took the Republican Party by surprise,” he said of the letter. “I will tell you it was beautiful.”
Trump Observes Moment of Silence for Fallen Firefighter
Former President Trump held a moment of silence for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the assassination attempt against him during his July 13 rally in Pennsylvania.
“But Corey unfortunately, we have to use the past tense,” he said before the moment of silence. “He was incredible.”
Trump Recounts Surviving Assassination Attempt
Former President Donald Trump, just after accepting the GOP presidential nomination, recalled surviving the assassination attempt against him at the July 13 rally in Pennsylvania.
“Let me begin this evening by expressing my gratitude to the American people for your outpouring of love and support following the assassination attempt at my rally on Saturday. As you already know the assassin’s bullet came within a quarter of an inch of taking my life,” he said.
“So many people have asked me what happened. Tell us what happened please. And therefore I will tell you exactly what happened,” he said. “And you will never hear it from me a second time because it’s actually too painful to tell. It was a warm, beautiful day in the early evening in Butler Township in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
He expressed astonishment at turning his head, which meant the bullet just grazed him, rather than hitting directly.
“I said to myself, ‘Wow, what was that?’ It can only be a bullet as my right hand to my ear … was covered with blood. Absolutely, blood all over the place,” he said.
“I immediately knew it was very serious, that we were under attack,” he said. “And then one movement proceeded to drop to the ground,”
He also expressed appreciation at the Secret Service agents who protected him. “Brave Secret Service agents rushed to the stage. These are great people,” he said.
“There was blood pouring everywhere and yet, in a certain way I felt very safe. Because I had God on my side,” he said.
Trump Formally Accepts Nomination
Former President Donald Trump formally accepted the GOP’s nomination for President of the United States July 18.
“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,” he said.
“So tonight, with faith and devotion I proudly accept your nomination for president of the United States.”
Speaking in front of a projection of the White House, former President Trump said that the Republican Party will have “an incredible victory,” and they will launch “a new era of safety, prosperity and freedom for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed.”
“The discord and division in our society must be healed,” he said. “We must heal it quickly.
“As Americans we are bound together by a single fate in a shared destiny. We rise together, or we fall apart.”
Trump Takes Stage
Former President Trump has taken the stage to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
On stage is firefighter Corey Comperatore’s uniform. Mr. Comperatore was killed during the assassination attempt against former President Trump in Pennsylvania on July 13.
Dana White Introduces Trump
UFC CEO Dana White introduced his longtime friend, former President Donald Trump, ahead of the formal nomination acceptance speech.
He said former President Trump asked him a couple weeks ago to address the RNC.
He relayed a text message: “I only wish you didn’t have to interrupt your family trip. But I hope they understand. They love you. And they know how important this is.”
Mr. White said this exemplified who former President Trump is.
“Now think about this. This man’s running for president of the United States. He’s fighting for the future of this country. And he’s concerned about interrupting my family trip,” Mr. White said.
“That’s the President Trump that I know, a man who truly cares about people,” he said.
Mr. White said his words are only his.
“Nobody in the Trump campaign has ever told me what to say. Nobody tells me what to say. And I’m nobody’s puppet and I’m not telling you what to think,” he said.
“I’m telling you what I know,” he said. “And I know President Trump is a fighter.”
Melania Trump Walks In
Former First Lady Melania Trump has walked into the arena to take her seat in her family box. She walked in to background music from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Mrs. Trump is not a scheduled speaker, but her husband will deliver the final speech of the night, accepting the GOP nod.
She has taken a backseat during her husband’s campaign.
Trump Expected to Speak on Assassination Attempt
The Trump campaign has released excerpts of former President Trump’s speech accepting the GOP presidential nomination. It includes the former president addressing the attempt on his life over the weekend.
Here are some excerpts obtained by The Epoch Times:
“I stand before you this evening with a message of confidence, strength, and hope. Four months from now, we will have an incredible victory, and we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country.”
“Together, we will launch a new era of safety, prosperity and freedom for citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed.”
“The discord and division in our society must be healed. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart.”
“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.”
“Let me begin this evening by expressing my gratitude to the American people for your outpouring of love and support following the assassination attempt at my rally on Saturday.”
“As you already know, the assassin’s bullet came within a quarter of an inch of taking my life. So many people have asked me what happened, and therefore, I’ll tell you what happened, and you’ll never hear it from me a second time, because it’s too painful to tell.”
“Despite such a heinous attack, we unite this evening more determined than ever. Our resolve is unbroken, and our purpose is unchanged–to deliver a government that serves the American people.”
“Everything I have to give, with all of the energy and fight in my heart and soul, I pledge to our nation tonight.”
“In an age when our politics too often divide us, now is the time to remember that we are all fellow citizens—we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
“So tonight, whether you’ve supported me in the past or not, I hope you will support me in the future, because I will bring back the American Dream.”
“With great humility, I am asking you to be excited about the future of our country.”
Franklin Graham Leads RNC in Prayer
Franklin Graham took the stage and asked the audience to stand as he led them in a prayer for the nation.
With hearts turned skyward, Mr. Graham gave thanks for former President Donald Trump, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), and their families, and asked for protection and guidance for them and all of the nation’s political leaders. He also prayed for unity.
“Our nation is in trouble,” he said. “We’re divided politically, racially, economically, with millions of people seeking refuge and hope and are dry and thirsty land. They’re the only ones who can fix the complexity of the problems that we face today.
“We ask that you unite our hearts, bring us together, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” Mr. Graham said.
Before the famous Evangelical Christian leader offered prayer, he said he had no explanation for why or how former President Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13.
“”I cannot explain why God would save one life and allow another one to be taken,” he said. “I don’t have the answer for that. But one thing I do know is that God loves us.”
Hogan Rips Shirt to Reveal Trump–Vance Shirt
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, firing up the crowd, took off his suit jacket, and ripped his shirt to reveal a Trump–Vance shirt underneath.
The crowd went wild.
“I didn’t come here as Hulk Hogan, but I just had to give you a little taste of my name,” he said. “My name is Terry Bollea.”
He endorsed former President Trump, saying he could not be silent following the attempted assassination of him.
“As an entertainer, I tried to stay out of politics, but after everything that’s happened to our country over the past four years, and everything that happened last weekend, I can no longer stay silent,” he said.
Trump Enters Again, This Time With Ivanka and Jared
Former President Donald Trump re-entered the arena and walked up to his box shortly before wrestling icon Hulk Hogan addressed the crowd.
He was joined by members of his family including his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her husband, Jared Kushner—both of whom served in the Trump administration but have not been involved in his current presidential campaign.
President Trump is scheduled to be the last speaker of the night after accepting the GOP presidential nomination.
Tucker Carlson: ‘A Leader Is the Bravest Man’
Tucker Carlson said that former President Trump’s example in Pennsylvania exemplifies what it means to be a true leader.
“A leader is the bravest man,” he said to applause.
“That is true in all human organizations. This is a law of nature,” he said, crediting the president’s bravery with preventing a chaotic situation from spiraling further out of control.
Mr. Carlson, who attributed former President Trump’s survival to “divine intervention,” said he spoke to him soon after the incident. He said former President Trump never mentioned himself during that private conversation.
Mr. Carlson also credited former President Trump with projecting a unifying message to the nation after the incident.
“He turned down the most obvious opportunity in politics to inflame the nation after being shot,” he said.
He also praised the vice presidential pick, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), describing him as a personal friend and “thoroughly decent.”
Like other speakers at the convention, Mr. Carlson lingered on the theme of God—expected at any Republican event, but imbued with new power after the former president’s brush with mortality.
“God is among us right now, and that is enough,” he told the crowd.
Country Singer Jason Aldean Greets Trump
How much Trump loves music has come up several times in Thursday’s speeches, and he’s got a country star with him in the box.
Jason Aldean is seated with Trump for the RNC’s final night. He and his wife, Brittany, shook hands with Trump and have been spotted speaking with him during the program.
Aldean, a Trump supporter, dedicated his song “Try That in a Small Town” to Trump during a recent concert in Nashville following the Pennsylvania assassination attempt.
Trump Lawyer Recalls Handing Phone to Trump Supporter
Trump lawyer Alina Habba recalled walking the streets of Manhattan after a trial when she heard a man nearby say “God bless you and President Trump.”
She was on the phone with President Trump as this was happening and the former president asked Ms. Habba to put the man on the phone.
He got to “spend time speaking to him and thanking him for his support,” Ms. Habba recalled.
She represented former President Trump in his civil trial.
Steve Wifkoff Recalls His Call With Trump After Assassination Attempt
Entrepreneur and friend of former President Donald Trump Steve Wifkoff reflected on their phone call after Saturday’s assassination attempt.
Mr. Wifkoff said he expected to get a voicemail, but was surprised to find out that not only did former President Trump pick up the phone, but he asked nothing of himself.
“He just came within an inch of his own life ending,” Mr. Wifkoff said. “But he picked up the phone and said, ‘Hi Steve. I’m really glad you called. How are you? How are your kids?’”
Mr. Wifkoff went on to say that former President Trump’s greeting shouldn’t have surprised him.
“President Trump is as kind and compassionate a man as I’ve ever met in my lifetime,” he said.
Trump Walks Into Convention
Shortly before 8 p.m. ET, former President Donald Trump walked into the Fiserv Forum to thunderous applause. He entered his box with guests including Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and GOP Senate candidates including Eric Hovde and Sam Brown.
He is scheduled to be the final speaker of the convention. His speech is expected to run 90 minutes.
New York Builders Attest to Trump’s Personal Character
New York builders father and son Steven and Zach Witkoff were among speakers meant to serve as witnesses for Trump as a friend and employer.
The father and son vouched for Trump as a boss and a grandfather.
“I have witnessed his leadership in quiet moments,” Steve Witkoff said. “When times are really tough, when he has everything to lose and nothing to gain, Donald Trump is there for you.”
Describing pain that was “unbearable,” Steve Wifcoff told of Trump’s outreach after the man’s son died of an opioid overdose.
“That’s who he is,” Steven Witcoff said.
Billionaire Businesswoman Shares Success Story
Diane Hendricks took the stage in Milwaukee and introduced herself as “living proof that the American dream is possible with hard work and determination.”
“Today, the American dream is under threat,” she said. “Prices have risen over 20 percent. Aspiring entrepreneurs can’t afford to take out a loan at 7, 10, 15 percent interest. Regulations have surged, and the administration has proposed $7 trillion in tax increases.
“I know how hard it is to build a company from nothing. And we need a president who understands that too.”
The self-made woman shared her story of growing up on a dairy farm as one of nine children, facing motherhood at 17, working two jobs just to get by, and finding her “passion” for real estate.
She spoke of meeting her husband, with whom she would build her empire, ABC Supply, and continue to fight for it after he passed away.
She proudly proclaimed that her company has quadrupled in size since her husband died and is now the largest distributor in the country, employing more than 22,000 Americans.
She is now worth more than $20 billion and has topped Forbes’s list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women for seven years in a row.
“My success story as a teenage mom without a college degree was only possible because I was so blessed to be born in the United States of America,” she said.
She also gave thanks for her seven children, and on her teenage pregnancy: “I truly believe that every life is a sacred gift from God.”
Final Night of 2024 RNC Under Way
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley of North Carolina opened the fourth night of the convention, “Let’s get this show on the road!”
And he offered a common theme for the convention, the fact that the assassination attempt on former President Trump Saturday cast the convention into doubt.
“It is a miracle that we are here tonight,” Whatley said. “It’s proof we are all protected by the mighty hand of God.”
David Axelrod: No Comment on Biden Drop Out Rumors
Striding through the halls of the Fiserv Forum, Democrat strategist and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, David Axelrod told The Epoch Times he won’t comment on a report that President Biden may drop out this weekend.
White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates refuted the report, saying “this fan fiction is wrong.”
Media coverage of the RNC in Milwaukee has emphasized the “unity” among Republicans.
Mr. Axelrod sounded a note of skepticism over the unity theme, while noting that former President Trump was expected to “keep it up high.”
“Everyone keeps signaling …he wants to be a unifying figure tonight,” he told The Epoch Times.
Trump Won’t Say Biden’s Name During Speech, Source Says
“Joe Biden” won’t show up anywhere in former President Donald Trump’s remarks tonight.
A source familiar with the speech confirmed to The Epoch Times that the Republican Party’s choice for president will omit his chief rival’s name.
Former President Trump said he rewrote his speech after an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on July 13.
His campaign staff also confirmed to The Epoch Times that the former president is writing his own remarks, a departure from the norm.
The GOP standard bearer’s remarks will cap off a convention whose participants have strived to project the image of unity.
Pompeo Touts Trump Admin’s Foreign Policy
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo touted the Trump administration’s foreign policy accomplishments.
He mentioned the “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions on Iran and the destruction of the Islamic State caliphate.
Mr. Pompeo, who also served as President Donald Trump’s CIA director, contrasted the former president’s policies with the current administration when it comes to Afghanistan, China, Russia and Iran.
Tonight’s Speaker Schedule
On the final night of the RNC, here’s a list of notable speakers, in chronological order:
- Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee
- Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chairman of the National Republican Campaign Committee
- Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
- Tucker Carlson
- Hulk Hogan
- Rev. Franklin Graham
- Eric Trump
- UFC CEO Dana White
- Former President Donald Trump
The program is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Biden Campaign Responds to Navarro at RNC
A campaign manager for President Joe Biden’s re-election bid condemned an appearance by Peter Navarro at the Republican National Convention.
“I think that it tells you everything you need to know about who the Republican Party is under Donald Trump, having somebody who is fresh out of prison for contempt of Congress take the stage,” Quentin Fulks told The Epoch Times.
The former director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing appeared at the convention after finishing a four-month stint in prison earlier that day. He was convicted on criminal contempt of Congress after defying the House’s Jan. 6 Committee.
In his remarks, Mr. Navarro noted that other officials didn’t face criminal prosecution for the same charge.
Soon after Mr. Navarro’s appearance, Grace Chong, chief operating officer for Steve Bannon’s The War Room Podcast, told The Epoch Times that “it was incredible to see Dr. Navarro as a free man.” Mr. Bannon is currently in prison on his own, similar contempt charges.
Ms. Chong noted that Mr. Bannon will host the podcast on July 18.
Biden’s Doctor Provides Medical Update
President Joe Biden’s White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, released a letter on July 18 with an update on the president’s COVID-19 symptoms after he tested positive the day before.
“The President is still experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms associated with his recent COVID-19 infection. He continues to receive Paxlovid,” Dr. O’Connor said.
“He does not have a fever and his vital signs remain normal. He will continue to conduct the business of the American people. With the President’s permission, I will continue to provide regular updates, as we have done before,” the physician added.
President Biden tested positive for the virus prior to a planned speech at the UnidosUS annual conference in Las Vegas. He canceled his remaining events and immediately boarded Air Force One to return to his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Biden Staying in the Race, Says Campaign
President Joe Biden is staying in the presidential race, his campaign reiterated on July 18.
“Our campaign is not working through any scenarios where President Biden is not the top of the ticket. He is and will be the Democratic nominee,” principal deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks told reporters.
The confirmation was made as some Democrats remain concerned over the viability of the president’s candidacy since his debate last month with former President Trump.
President Biden is in quarantine at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home after testing positive for COVID-19 yesterday.
Trump’s Speech Will Be a ‘Message About Uniting the Country,’ Florida Delegate Says
Emotions and excitement at the convention have been building each day and will culminate Thursday night when Trump is expected to accept the Republican nomination for president, according to Blake Bell, a 40-year-old delegate from Florida and self-described “big Trump guy.”
“Being on the floor Monday when Trump came in, everyone had chills because it was the first appearance he made since the attempted assassination,” Bell said Thursday morning. “And tonight will be a historic speech. I know there won’t be a dry eye in the crowd.”
Bell said he thinks the tone of Trump’s speech will be different, adding that it “will be much more of a message about uniting the country.”
“I think there were a lot of people, even before Saturday, who were afraid to come out and say ‘I’m a Donald Trump supporter,’” Bell said. “I think it has been a stigma that the media has tried to put on people to make them feel embarrassed or ashamed that they support Donald Trump. I think on Saturday, after the assassination attempt, people woke up and they said, ‘We’re not ashamed anymore to say that Donald Trump is what’s best for this country.’”
Biden Campaign: ‘The President Is Feeling Fine’
President Joe Biden is feeling fine and working while isolating in Delaware as he recovers from COVID-19, his campaign says.
“The president is feeling fine,” Quentin Fulks, principal deputy manager of Biden’s reelection campaign, told a news conference on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Fulks added that Biden is “continuing to make calls and do work. He has official meetings today, a lot of campaign calls that he’s getting through, and I think some Zoom calls that he’s hoping on potentially.”
Biden was campaigning in Las Vegas when he tested positive for the virus on Wednesday and flew to Delaware where he is self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach.
Epoch Times reporter Jackson Richman, Janice Hisle, Nathan Worcester, T.J. Muscaro, and The Associated Press contributed to this report.