Donald Trump accepted the Republican presidential nomination for the third time, delivering a speech that balanced calls for unity with pointed attacks on his political opponents.
At a glance:
- Trump details recent assassination attempt, crediting divine intervention for his survival
- Former president criticizes Biden administration policies while rarely mentioning rival by name
- Immigration remains a top issue, with Trump promising largest deportation operation in US history
- Melania Trump makes rare public appearance at convention, though doesn’t speak
Donald Trump took center stage at the Republican National Convention and accepted his party’s nomination for president in a speech that lasted over 90 minutes. The former president sought to strike a balance between calls for national unity and sharp criticism of his political opponents.
Assassination Attempt Takes Center Stage
Trump began his address by recounting the recent attempt on his life in vivid detail. He described how the assassin’s bullet came “within a quarter of an inch” of taking his life, crediting divine intervention for his survival. This dramatic retelling set a somber tone for the beginning of his speech.
Policy Positions and Criticisms
While Trump emphasized a message of unity, he didn’t shy away from criticizing Democratic policies. He pledged to complete the southern border wall and promised the “largest deportation operation in the history of our country.” The former president painted a picture of economic struggles under the current administration, though critics said some of his claims about inflation were exaggerated.
Trump also touched on the legal cases against him, demanding that the “Democrat Party should immediately stop weaponizing the justice system.”
Biden’s Candidacy and Democratic Party Uncertainty
Mr. Trump made only one direct mention of President Biden, calling him “one of the worst presidents in history.” He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Biden’s candidacy, noting the president’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis and reports of leading Democrats questioning his position.
Family Presence and Party Dynamics
The convention showcased the Trump family’s influence within the Republican Party. Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump had high-profile speaking slots, while Lara Trump, as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, is set to play a key role in the election campaign.
Melania Trump made a rare public appearance on the final night of the convention, though she did not speak. Her involvement in the campaign has been limited, focusing instead on supporting conservative LGBTQ organizations like Log Cabin Republicans.
