RNC Day 4: Trump delivers longest acceptance speech in history

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Last updated: Friday, July 19, 2024 4:39AM GMT
Trump pitches unity, but revives old grievances in nomination acceptance speech

MILWAUKEE -- On the fourth and final day of the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump gave a highly anticipated speech, which he said beforehand would call for unity following his assassination attempt.

However in his first speech since the incident, Trump leaned into his usual talking points, slamming President Joe Biden, Democrats and other critics on a wide variety of issues from the economy, immigration and crime.

For over an hour, Trump went off script much to the crowd's delight. The former president told them he was grateful for their support after his brush with death but argued that the country needed to be fixed due to Biden's policies.

The night also included wild speeches from guests such as Hulk Hogan and Eric Trump, who echoed some of the former president's rhetoric bashing Biden and the Democrats.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Jul 19, 2024, 12:14 AM GMT

Country star Jason Aldean seen in Trump's VIP box

Country music star Jason Aldean was seen in the front row of Trump's VIP box tonight. Trump stood next to him upon arriving at the convention earlier.

Aldean recently dedicated his song "Try That in a Small Town" to Trump in the wake of the assassination attempt.

Country music star Jason Aldean seen in the front row of Former President Donald Trump's VIP box at the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18.
Country music star Jason Aldean seen in the front row of Former President Donald Trump's VIP box at the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18.
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Jul 19, 2024, 12:02 AM GMT

What is Project 2025?

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Jul 19, 2024, 12:10 AM GMT

Trump gets roaring ovation as he arrives

Trump entered the arena around 7:53 p.m. ET to a roaring crowd.

Trump was still sporting a bandage to his right ear, which was wounded in last week's attempted assassination during a rally.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives for the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives for the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

AC/DC's song "Back in Black" played as he made his way to his seat.

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Jul 18, 2024, 11:43 PM GMT

Linda McMahon touts Trump tax cuts

Linda McMahon, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under Trump, spoke about the former president's economic policies during his first term, specifically his tax cut plans.

"He knew that small businesses are the engine of the American economy, and the Trump tax cut proved to be like rocket fuel for them," she said.

Linda McMahon speaks during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Linda McMahon speaks during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

McMahon, the co-founder and former CEO of WWE, said that if reelected, Trump would make those tax cuts permanent.