Trump to Speak Thursday: Anticipation Builds for Republican Convention
In a dramatic appearance on Monday night, former President Donald Trump entered the Republican National Convention to a wave of applause. This marked his first public engagement since narrowly escaping an assassination attempt.
Trump’s arrival came just after he announced Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate, steering the convention’s focus towards the future of the Republican Party. Trump, who was grazed by a bullet during a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, shared on social media that he had contemplated delaying his appearance. He ultimately decided against it, stating, “I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else.”
The recent attack has heightened concerns about the event’s safety, but Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, RNC coordinator for the US Secret Service, assured that there would be no changes to the security measures already in place.
Held at the home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, the convention is set to attract around 50,000 attendees over its four-day run, combining political discourse, policy debates, and pageantry as the party gears up for the November general election.
What is the Republican National Convention?
Every four years, the two major US parties hold conventions to formally select their presidential candidates and gear up for the final stretch of campaigning. These gatherings feature high-profile speeches, including a prime-time address from the presidential nominee. Delegates from each state pledge their support, and a platform is approved.
For Trump, this is a formality as he already secured the nomination with 2,265 delegates in the primaries. The Democratic Convention will follow next month in Chicago.
Who’s Speaking?
Trump is slated to speak on Thursday night. Monday’s major highlight was his announcement of JD Vance as his running mate. Donald Trump Jr. will address the convention on Wednesday. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, initially expected to skip the RNC, changed her plans after the assassination attempt and is set to speak on Tuesday.
Other notable speakers include model and reality star Amber Rose, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, Teamsters Union General President Sean O’Brien, Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, UFC President Dana White, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. RNC co-chair Lara Trump, Trump’s daughter-in-law, mentioned that celebrities will also take the stage. Absent from the guest list are former Republican Party stalwarts like George W. Bush, Mike Pence, and Mitt Romney.
What’s on the RNC Platform?
The convention’s themes are “Make America Wealthy Once Again” (Monday), “Make America Safe Again” (Tuesday), “Make America Strong Again” (Wednesday), and “Make America Great Once Again” (Thursday). The party platform this year spans 16 pages. Elements of Project 2025, a longer think-tank proposal from which Trump has distanced himself, may also be discussed. This project calls for expanded presidential powers, significant cuts to civil service positions, tax reductions, and dismantling the Department of Education.
Will Melania Trump Attend?
Former First Lady Melania Trump is expected to attend the convention, although she was not present on Monday. This will be her first major appearance this election cycle. She did not attend the June debate between President Joe Biden and Trump or her husband’s earlier trial. Melania’s presence could help convey party unity.
Are Protests Planned?
The Coalition to March organized a protest near the convention site on Monday afternoon, expecting 5,000 participants. The turnout was smaller. Karen Allington, a 64-year-old retiree, expressed her concerns about Trump’s agenda, citing political division. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson emphasized the city’s commitment to public safety, noting the convention’s designation as a national special security event.
