Former US President and Republican Donald Trump became the official nominee for the presidential race as he secured majority of votes from national convention delegates and announced Ohio Senator JD Vance as his vice presidential running mate.
This marks Trump’s third consecutive run after winning in 2016 and losing to President Joe Biden in 2020. He will face Biden again in November.
Trump’s nomination became official with the vote of Republican National Committee delegates in Milwaukee. He hit the threshold with votes from Florida, announced by his son Eric, according to AP report. The convention hall erupted in cheers as state after state voiced support for Trump.
Trump’s campaign, aiming to expand his appeal among moderates and people of color, designed an optimistic convention. However, the shooting incident targeted at Trump disrupted American politics, redirecting focus from the GOP’s agenda and Trump’s legal issues to concerns about political violence and national stability.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP primary candidate, shifted his aggressive rhetoric, urging the country to unite. Speaking at an event hosted by the conservative Heritage Institute, Ramaswamy said, “The enemy is not the Democrats, it is an ideology.”
Hours before the first convention session, Trump received favorable news when a federal judge dismissed the prosecution in his classified documents case. Trump celebrated the dismissal on his Truth Social platform, calling for the dismissal of his other legal cases as well.
“As we move forward in Uniting our Nation after the horrific events on Saturday, this dismissal of the Lawless Indictment in Florida should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts,” Trump wrote.
Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley said that the convention’s programming would not change following the shooting. The agenda will feature over 100 speakers focusing on everyday issues and Trump’s plans to help working Americans.
“We have to be able to lay out a vision for where we want to take this country,” Whatley said. He emphasized that the central message would focus on future plans rather than past grievances or promises of retribution.
“We are going to have the convention that we have been planning for the last 18 months. We are a combination of relieved and grateful that the president is going to be here and is going to accept the nomination,” he added.
Delegates will update the GOP’s policy platform, which has not been revised since 2016. The proposed platform, just 16 pages long, avoids giving Democrats ammunition on key issues, including abortion. It doesn’t call for a national abortion ban, despite the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“More divisiveness would not be healthy,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.
The convention’s speaking program will include Republicans charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, jailed for contempt of Congress, is expected to speak after his release. Nevada GOP Chair Michael McDonald, also facing criminal charges related to the 2020 election, will present Trump with the party nomination.
Democrats have scaled back counterprogramming during the Republican convention. The Biden campaign pulled down its ads, and Vice President Kamala Harris postponed a Florida appearance focused on Trump’s opposition to abortion rights. The pro-Democratic group American Bridge delayed releasing trading cards highlighting controversial Republican positions.
The convention is taking place in Democratic-leaning Milwaukee, a key swing state where Trump lost narrowly four years ago. Security is heightened, with the Secret Service allowing open or concealed carry of guns per state law outside the secure perimeter.
This marks Trump’s third consecutive run after winning in 2016 and losing to President Joe Biden in 2020. He will face Biden again in November.
Trump’s nomination became official with the vote of Republican National Committee delegates in Milwaukee. He hit the threshold with votes from Florida, announced by his son Eric, according to AP report. The convention hall erupted in cheers as state after state voiced support for Trump.
Trump’s campaign, aiming to expand his appeal among moderates and people of color, designed an optimistic convention. However, the shooting incident targeted at Trump disrupted American politics, redirecting focus from the GOP’s agenda and Trump’s legal issues to concerns about political violence and national stability.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP primary candidate, shifted his aggressive rhetoric, urging the country to unite. Speaking at an event hosted by the conservative Heritage Institute, Ramaswamy said, “The enemy is not the Democrats, it is an ideology.”
Hours before the first convention session, Trump received favorable news when a federal judge dismissed the prosecution in his classified documents case. Trump celebrated the dismissal on his Truth Social platform, calling for the dismissal of his other legal cases as well.
“As we move forward in Uniting our Nation after the horrific events on Saturday, this dismissal of the Lawless Indictment in Florida should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts,” Trump wrote.
Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley said that the convention’s programming would not change following the shooting. The agenda will feature over 100 speakers focusing on everyday issues and Trump’s plans to help working Americans.
“We have to be able to lay out a vision for where we want to take this country,” Whatley said. He emphasized that the central message would focus on future plans rather than past grievances or promises of retribution.
“We are going to have the convention that we have been planning for the last 18 months. We are a combination of relieved and grateful that the president is going to be here and is going to accept the nomination,” he added.
Delegates will update the GOP’s policy platform, which has not been revised since 2016. The proposed platform, just 16 pages long, avoids giving Democrats ammunition on key issues, including abortion. It doesn’t call for a national abortion ban, despite the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“More divisiveness would not be healthy,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.
The convention’s speaking program will include Republicans charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, jailed for contempt of Congress, is expected to speak after his release. Nevada GOP Chair Michael McDonald, also facing criminal charges related to the 2020 election, will present Trump with the party nomination.
Democrats have scaled back counterprogramming during the Republican convention. The Biden campaign pulled down its ads, and Vice President Kamala Harris postponed a Florida appearance focused on Trump’s opposition to abortion rights. The pro-Democratic group American Bridge delayed releasing trading cards highlighting controversial Republican positions.
The convention is taking place in Democratic-leaning Milwaukee, a key swing state where Trump lost narrowly four years ago. Security is heightened, with the Secret Service allowing open or concealed carry of guns per state law outside the secure perimeter.
