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RNC 2024 Day 2 updates: Trump expected back at RNC tonight, as Haley set to speak

The theme of Tuesday's session is "Make America Safe Again."

Last Updated: July 16, 2024, 6:21 PM EDT

The second day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee gets underway Tuesday afternoon after a dramatic appearance Monday night by the party's new nominee -- former President Donald Trump -- wearing a bandage on his ear where he was wounded in an assassination attempt two days before.

Among the featured speakers will be a few of Trump's former rivals: South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. All are expected to stress Trump's new theme of "unity."

9 hours and 16 minutes ago

Vance and Harris spoke this afternoon: Sources

J.D. Vance spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday afternoon, multiple sources familiar with the conversation told ABC News.

It was their first conversation since Vance was announced as Trump's running mate.

The conversation was "brief and respectful," according to a source with knowledge of the call.

Vance and Harris said they are looking forward to debating each other, the sources said, but no specifics were discussed.

-ABC News' Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Hannah Demissie and Rachel Scott

9 hours and 28 minutes ago

RNC kicks off 2nd night, themed 'Make America Safe Once Again'

The Republican National Convention's second night has begun, and the theme is "Make America Safe Again."

Several speakers -- including former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis -- are expected to take the stage.

Attendees arrive on the second day of the Republican National Convention, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

10 hours and 27 minutes ago

Asa Hutchinson walks back comments about not voting for convicted felon

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was one of the major Republicans who voiced his disapproval of Trump after he was convicted in a Manhattan criminal court, stating he wouldn't vote for a convicted felon.

However, when ABC News' Jay O’Brien broached the subject Tuesday the the convention, the former governor seemed to have different sentiments.

"Well, you know that I've made some commitments about not voting for a convicted felon, but that seems like a long time ago," Hutchinson said.

Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives his thoughts on former President Donald Trump and where his vote lies at present.
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson gives his thoughts on former President Donald Trump and where his vote lies at present.

O’Brien continued to press Hutchinson.

“So you could move away from that commitment?" he asked the former governor.

"Let's see how it develops in the future," Hutchinson responded.

3:55 PM EDT

Vance walks RNC floor with Don Jr.

Republican vice-presidential candidate, Sen. J.D. Vance speaks to Donald Trump Jr. during preparations for the second day of the Republican National Convention, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Morry Gash/AP

JD Vance returned to the RNC convention Tuesday afternoon and walked the floor.

He was accompanied by Donald Trump Jr., but did not answer shouted questions from the press.

Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance and Donald Trump Jr. take part in a sound check on the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention, in Milwaukee, July 16, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

-ABC News' Hannah Demissie

Republican vice-presidential candidate, Sen. J.D. Vance speaks to Donald Trump Jr. during preparations for the second day of the Republican National Convention, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Leon Neal/Getty Images