RNC 2024 Day 2: Trump feted by former rivals Haley, DeSantis in show of GOP unity

Trump, with a bandage on his ear, made an appearance again Tuesday evening

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Last updated: Wednesday, July 17, 2024 10:00AM GMT
RNC 2024 Day 2: Trump feted by former rivals Haley, DeSantis
Former President Trump's political rivals came together in a show of unity Tuesday.

MILWAUKEE -- The second day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee ended Tuesday with appearances from some of former President Donald Trump's former rivals: former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy -- all calling for Republican Party unity.

They were joined by some of Trump's longest allies including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Ben Carson in bashing the Democrats over what they claimed were harmful and failed policies.

The program focused on law and order with a theme of making the country "safe again."

Trump, with a bandage on his ear, made an appearance again Tuesday evening -- just days after he was wounded in an assassination attempt at one of his rallies in Pennsylvania over the weekend. Several speakers said God spared Trump in the shooting, saving him for a divine plan for the presidency.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
ABCNews logo
Jul 17, 2024, 12:28 AM GMT

Bandaged ears at the RNC

On the second night of the convention, some attendees are seen wearing white bandages on their ear -- in an apparent nod to the one Trump was seen prominently sporting during his appearance Monday night.

An attendee points to her "bandaged" ear on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
An attendee points to her "bandaged" ear on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ByOlivia Rubin ABCNews logo
Jul 17, 2024, 12:00 AM GMT

Rupert Murdoch arrives in Milwaukee to attend RNC: Source

Rupert Murdoch arrived in Milwaukee today to attend the RNC, a source familiar with his trip told ABC News.

This could mark the first face-to-face reunion with the former Fox boss and Donald Trump in some time.

Murdoch and Trump had a much-publicized rift in the wake of the 2020 election, and Trump has bashed Fox News as recently as last month.

Jul 16, 2024, 11:57 PM GMT

Justice addresses RNC with trusty Babydog

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice took the stage with his dog, Babydog, who trotted out and took a cushioned seat to the governor's right.

Justice, who's running as a Republican for the Senate seat that Democrat Joe Manchin will vacate, said, "We'd become totally unhinged if Donald Trump is not elected."

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice took the stage with his dog, Babydog, who trotted out and took a cushioned seat to the governor's right.

"He genuinely cares. He cares about all of us," he said of Trump. "He loves this nation beyond good sense."

Justice also said Donald Trump Jr. is a "treasured friend" and that Eric Trump once replaced his tire.

He also said Babydog has predicted that Republicans will win back the White House and Senate and keep control of the House.

BySoorin Kim, Lalee Ibssa and Stephanie Walsh ABCNews logo
Jul 16, 2024, 11:23 PM GMT

Trump expected to make another appearance tonight

Trump is again expected to make an appearance at the RNC arena tonight, sources with knowledge of his schedule told ABC News.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears during the Republican National Convention, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears during the Republican National Convention, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.