Donald Trump will speak at a big Republican convention in Milwaukee on Thursday, where he will officially accept the party’s presidential nomination.
This comes after a four-day event showing his strong hold over the party.
At 78, Trump is feeling confident after Joe Biden’s poor debate performance and some court rulings in his favor. It will be his first speech since surviving an assassination attempt at a rally last Saturday, where he was shot at but only hit in the ear.
His daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, told BBC’s US partner CBS that this “near-death experience” has deeply affected him and will be reflected in his speech, suggesting Americans might see a “different version” of Trump.
The convention in Wisconsin has seen many Trumps, including Lara Trump, emphasizing Trump as a family man and a unifying figure. Critics, like Vice-President Kamala Harris, argue that the Republicans can’t claim unity while pushing divisive policies.
Trump will share his vision to “usher in a new golden age for America,” according to the party, capping off a week of speeches from various Republican figures.
In a surprising turn, Trump decided to change his speech after the assassination attempt, moving from criticizing Biden to promoting unity.
He told the Washington Examiner, “It’s going to be a whole different speech now. This is a chance to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together.” One person died and two were injured in the Saturday shooting.
Trump has received lots of support at the convention, with attendees even wearing fake ear bandages in solidarity. Despite this new message of unity, he is still expected to criticize Biden’s record, similar to his running mate JD Vance’s speech on Wednesday night.
Other notable speakers on Thursday include Trump’s son Eric, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Trump will be introduced by his friend, Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and wrestler Hulk Hogan will also speak before Trump formally accepts the nomination.
Trump’s wife Melania and daughter Ivanka are set to appear at the convention for the first time. The evening session starts around 17:45 CST (23:45 BST), with Trump’s speech possibly lasting until 22:30 CST.
Meanwhile, President Biden, who tested positive for Covid-19, has paused his campaign stops. Reports suggest increasing pressure on Biden to step aside, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have privately urged him to end his re-election campaign. Polls show Biden trailing Trump in key states .
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9r3nwy1e0ro