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RNC 2024 Day 2 updates: Trump arrives at RNC with bandage on ear

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

Last Updated: July 16, 2024, 6:51 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 -- some 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 39 minutes ago

Young Republicans chair says Biden 'diminishing'

Hayden Padgett, chairman of the Young Republicans, praised Trump and his 39-year-old running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, as a strong ticket for young people. Under Trump's first term, Padgett said, a bright future was promised.

Young Republicans Chairman Hayden Padget speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., July 16, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

"That future is diminishing as quickly as Biden's cognitive ability," he claimed, adding that young Americans are crippled under rising costs of education, groceries and housing.

"Our founders did not promise us happiness but the right to pursue it. And the Biden-Harris administration took that all away from us," he said.

9 hours and 59 minutes ago

Gov. Lee: 'We need strong leadership in the White House'

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, the president of the National Governors Association, touched on Republican talking points -- from inflation to the border to parental rights -- while speaking on behalf of Republican governors.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., July 16, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

"In the storm stirred by Washington, Republican governors across this country have stood as anchors of courage, their states as harbors of hope and their people as models of freedom," he said. "Governors can only do so much. We need strong leadership in the White House. We know what that looks like. We had it before, we need it again."

He said Republican governors are "joining together, unifying in support for Donald Trump for president."

10 hours and 9 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

10 hours and 21 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