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
Trump pitches unity, but revives old grievances in nomination acceptance speechFormer President Donald Trump pitched unity but revived old grievances in his 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.
ABCNews logo
Jul 19, 2024, 3:07 AM GMT

Trump went off script

Trump went off script for the first major time tonight, as he talked about Dana White, Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood and Hulk Hogan.

He also took a jab at Nancy Pelosi - comments that were not on the teleprompter.

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Jul 19, 2024, 3:02 AM GMT

Crowd grows louder as Trump goes after Democrats, DOJ

After a somber moment where Trump talked about the shooting, the crowd is getting louder again as he shifts to criticizing Democrats and what he called the "weaponized" justice system.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
ABCNews logo
Jul 19, 2024, 2:56 AM GMT

Trump addresses shooting victims

Near Trump on the stage is the firefighting gear, including the helmet and jacket, that belonged to Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the attempted assassination on the former president in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"Tragically the shooter claimed the life of one of our fellow Americans, Corey Comperatore -- an unbelievable person, everyone tells me -- and seriously wounded two other great warriors," he said.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump kisses the helmet of Corey Comperatore during the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump kisses the helmet of Corey Comperatore during the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

He called them "serious Trumpsters" and said he's spoken to their families.

Trump announced on stage that over $6.3 million was raised for the victims shot during Saturday's rally.

"When speaking to the family, I told them, we will be sending you a lot of money but it cannot compensate. They all said the same thing," he said.

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Jul 19, 2024, 2:52 AM GMT

'I'm not supposed to be here tonight'

Trump told the crowd, "I'm not supposed to be here tonight."

The crowd started chanting, "Yes you are."

"I stand before you this arena only by the grace of Almighty God," he said.

Some in the audience are growing emotional as Trump speaks.

A woman seated next to ABC News Digital began sobbing as Trump spoke about how he's "not supposed to be here tonight."