RECAP: Donald Trump speaks at Republican National Convention as calls mount for Joe Biden to pull out
To say there’s a lot going on in US politics right now would be a huge understatement.
Former President Donald Trump has spoken at the Republican National Conference in a speech that was exactly what Trump supporters would have been hoping to hear.
His speech, on night four of the RNC in Milwaukee, followed a shocking assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
The shooting, which killed one audience member and resulted in the death of the perpetrator, Thomas Matthew Crooks, turned the election campaign on its head.
Joe Biden had been facing increasing pressure to step down as the Democratic candidate following a miserable performance in the first presidential debate.
Those calls have continued to intensify in recent days, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi coming out this morning (Australian time) to say that she expects Biden can be persuaded to step down fairly soon.
Recap the highlights — and lowlights — from the RNC below.
Key Events
Trump starting to wrap up
He acknowledged the pressure is on after a series of good speakers preceding him.
“First we must get economic relief to our citizens. Starting from day one we will drive down prices and make America affordable again.”
He highlights the rising cost of living faced by citizens.
“Republicans have a plan to bring down prices and bring them down very very rapidly.”
He says they’ll start with slashing energy prices.
Amazing images
Some incredible photographs coming in now from the event, courtesy of Reuters.
Trump: ‘Common sense’ will make most of our decisions
“We’re going to use a thing called common sense to make most of our decisions.”
Trump: They used COVID to cheat in the election
“We’re never going to let that happen again.”
Again, this is a completely unfounded claim.
Trump: I will end international conflicts
“I will end every single international crisis that the current administration has created.”
He pledges to end the war in Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas.
He says neither of these conflicts would have occurred if he were in office.
Trump: Inflation is ‘crushing’ our people
“We’ve never seen anything like it,” he says.
He talks of a “massive invasion at our southern border” that has spread misery, crime and disease “all over our country”.
“War is now raging in Europe and the Middle East, a growing spectre of conflict hangs over Taiwan, our planet is teetering on the edge of World War III.
“It’s time for a change. This administration can’t come close to solving the problem.”
He says the country needs “fierce” leaders. The only thing they’re “fierce” about is “cheating on elections”.
For clarity, Trump’s claims about election cheating have been repeatedly dismissed and disproved.
He finishes this section of the speech by pledging to end the inflation crisis, bring down the cost of electricity, and lower inflation rates.
Trump: We will be respected again
“No nation will question our power. Our borders will be secure again. We will return peace, stability and harmony all throughout the world.
“But first... we must rescue our nation from failed and incompetent leadership.”
Trump: ‘We will all share in my vision’
“I’m here tonight to lay out a vision for the whole nation. To every citizen.
“I extend to you a hand of loyalty and of friendship.
“Together we will lead America to new heights of greatness.”
Trump introduces running mate JD Vance
“He’s going to be a great vice president,” he says.
“He’s going to be with us for a long time and it was an honour to select him.
“JD you’re going to be doing this for a long time, enjoy the ride.”
Trump rounds on Democrats
He says if they were to spend more time on running the country and less on using the justice system to pursue him, “we would have a much better country”.
