Six days after surviving an assassination attempt, former United States President Donald Trump stood before the Republican National Convention to accept the party nomination for the presidency. In a speech that lasted over 90 minutes — the longest acceptance speech in modern history — Trump touched on familiar grievances such as undocumented immigration, political “witch hunts”, and election fraud. Despite this, the event was a crowning moment for Trump, complete with lots of fanfare, as Republicans rallied around him both on and off stage.
The speech marked the final event of the party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with Trump receiving praise from his supporters. The show of support for Trump contrasted with the political troubles facing President Joe Biden, who is facing calls from fellow Democrats to drop out of the race after a disastrous debate performance. However, on this night in Milwaukee, the focus was all on Trump, with little mention of Biden by name.
During his speech, Trump attempted to present himself as a unifying figure, calling for healing and unity in a divided society. While he typically adopts a combative tone on stage, Trump’s address began with a more solemn and calm approach, emphasizing his desire to be a president for all Americans.
However, as the speech progressed, Trump reverted to his usual anti-immigrant rhetoric, describing the influx of undocumented immigrants as an “invasion” and accusing other countries of using America as a dumping ground for criminals. He also referenced international crises such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s conflict with Gaza, blaming Biden for these issues and claiming they would not have occurred under his leadership.
One of the key moments of the speech was Trump’s account of his recent assassination attempt, with several speakers suggesting that his survival was due to divine intervention. Trump himself embraced this idea, attributing his presence at the convention to the grace of Almighty God.
Overall, the final night of the Republican National Convention showcased Trump as a family man and concerned citizen, with speakers highlighting his decision to leave behind his business empire to serve the nation. Despite the divisive nature of his speech, Trump’s supporters rallied around him, portraying him as a strong and courageous leader in the face of adversity.