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
Former 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.
KABC logo
Jul 19, 2024, 2:03 AM GMT

Trump signs paperwork, officially accept the nomination while Melania watches on

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump signed paperwork to officially accept the nomination during the final day of the Republican National Convention

In a rare public campaign appearance, former first lady Melania Trump attended the signing.

Melania has not yet been seen on the convention floor.

ABCNews logo
Jul 19, 2024, 1:56 AM GMT

Trump sitting with Eric's family, granddaughter on lap

As Eric Trump speaks, Trump is sitting with his son's wife Lara Trump and his grandchildren.

Carolina Trump, the youngest child of Eric and Lara, is sitting on her grandfather's lap.

Carolina Trump, the youngest child of Eric and Lara, sits on her grandfather's Donald Trump's lap during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Carolina Trump, the youngest child of Eric and Lara, sits on her grandfather's Donald Trump's lap during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

Many members of the Trump family -- including his oldest granddaughter Kai -- have spoken about his softer side this convention.

ABCNews logo
Jul 19, 2024, 1:51 AM GMT

Hulk Hogan riles RNC crowd, rips off shirt

Hulk Hogan, bandana and sunglasses on his head and a sports coat covering his tank top, revved the crowd up with "USA" chants and called Trump "my hero" and a "gladiator."

Hulk Hogan tears off his shirt while speaking on the final night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Hulk Hogan tears off his shirt while speaking on the final night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

By the middle of his remarks, he lost his jacket and ripped his tank top off to reveal a Trump-Vance T-shirt, crescendoing with passion as he said,"I think about how his family was compromised, how his business was compromised. But what happened last week when they took a shot at my hero -- and tried to kill the president of the United States -- enough was enough"

"Let Trump-O-Mania rule again, let Trump-O-Mania make America great again," he shouted, a nod to his career as a WWE entertainer.

Hogan abandoned the teleprompter and free-wheeled with his penchant theatrics, earning a "thank you" from Trump and energizing the crowd some 20 minutes before the former president takes the stage to accept his nomination.

ByNathaniel Rakich FiveThirtyEight logo
Jul 19, 2024, 1:29 AM GMT

RNC not sticking to the schedule

We were supposed to hear from wrestler Hulk Hogan a few minutes ago, but the RNC skipped over his speaking slot, and now we're being treated to a long musical interlude. Perhaps they're doing some last-minute rearranging of the program?