The Republican National Convention continues Tuesday in Wisconsin, focusing on immigration—a cornerstone of former President Donald Trump’s platform that played a pivotal role in his 2015 campaign. Trump, who survived an assassination attempt just days ago, officially secured the GOP presidential nomination on Monday amid enthusiastic applause.
Two days after the assassination attempt, Trump appeared at the convention’s opening night with a bandage over his right ear, adding another dramatic chapter to an already eventful campaign. The GOP delegates erupted in cheers as Trump was shown backstage and then entered the arena. Visibly moved, he was accompanied by the patriotic strains of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” This entrance followed his formal nomination earlier in the day to lead the Republican ticket against President Joe Biden in the November election.
Tuesday’s convention proceedings will center on immigration, a key issue that has defined Trump’s political identity and won him significant support within the GOP since his 2015 campaign.
On Monday, Trump, flanked by a large contingent of Secret Service agents, did not speak to the audience—his acceptance speech is scheduled for Thursday—but acknowledged the crowd with smiles and waves as Greenwood performed. He later joined his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, to watch the remainder of the evening’s speeches, displaying a subdued demeanor atypical of his usual showmanship.
The enthusiastic reception highlighted the deep-seated loyalty of Trump’s supporters. He first captured the 2016 GOP nomination as an outsider challenging the party establishment. Since then, he has consolidated his influence, overcoming all Republican adversaries and quelling most conservative dissent, commanding unwavering allegiance throughout the party ranks.
Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley, handpicked by Trump, emphasized unity in his opening remarks at Monday’s prime-time session. “We must unite as a party, and we must unite as a nation,” Whatley declared. “We must show the same strength and resilience as President Trump and lead this nation to a greater future.”
However, Whatley and other GOP leaders made it clear their unity calls did not extend to Biden and the Democrats, who remain concerned about Biden’s ability to effectively counter Trump at the age of 81.
“Their policies are a clear and present danger to America, to our institutions, our values, and our people,” warned Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson, who welcomed the party to his battleground state—won by Trump in 2016 but lost to Biden in 2020.
The Trump campaign planned the convention to deliver a softer, more optimistic message aimed at broadening Trump’s appeal to moderate voters and people of color.
Monday’s session, focused on the economy, featured speeches from “everyday Americans”—a single mother discussing inflation, a union member and lifelong Democrat now supporting Trump, and a small business owner. Black Republicans also took the stage, highlighting Trump’s efforts to attract voters from traditionally Democratic demographics.
Texas Representative Wesley Hunt underscored the impact of rising grocery and energy prices on American households. “We can fix this disaster,” Hunt asserted, advocating for Trump’s re-election and return to the White House.
The Republican National Convention will continue to emphasize key issues and themes as it progresses towards Trump’s acceptance speech on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential campaign.
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