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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, 6:56 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 29 minutes ago

Reince Priebus: 'Let's make America one again'

Reince Priebus, the former RNC chair and Trump's chief of staff, took the stage, welcoming the crowd to Wisconsin.

He stressed Trump's accomplishments, stating: "While president, he decided to drill, baby, drill. He shut down the border, he confronted China head-on, made Europe pitch in on NATO, lowered taxes, put conservatives on the Supreme Court and he defeated ISIS."

Priebus, who also chaired the Wisconsin GOP, stressed how important the state is for Trump's victory.

Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., July 16, 2024.
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"Let's stand united as Republicans. Let's stand united as Americans. Let's make America one again," he said.

9 hours and 33 minutes ago

Republican Jewish Coalition CEO on 'critical moment'

Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks began his remarks by asking the crowd to cheer in support of Israel.

"If someone tried that at the Democrat convention, they would be booed off the stage, but here at the Republican convention, we proudly and loudly stand with Israel," he said, to applause.

CEO of Republican Jewish Coalition Matt Brooks speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., July 16, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Brooks said the election is a "critical moment" for the American Jewish community and Israel, and said the Jewish community is ready to elect the Trump-Vance ticket.

"This is our chance to continue the incredible pro-Israel legacy of the most pro-Israel president in history," Brooks said.

During his remarks, Brooks displayed a red, Trump-branded yarmulke.

9 hours and 34 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 54 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.
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"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."