RNC 2024 Day 3 updates: JD Vance touts working class roots in debut as VP nominee

The theme at the RNC on Wednesday is "Make America Strong Once Again."

Last Updated: July 17, 2024, 11:38 PM EDT

Day three of the Republican National Convention centered around vice presidential candidate JD Vance as he introduced himself to Republicans as Trump's running mate.

The day was held under the theme of "Make America Strong Once Again."

Former President Donald Trump made an appearance at the convention hall to watch his running mate make his national debut. Other notable speakers included Trump's son and granddaughter and several Gold Star families who expressed their support for the former president.

Despite calls for unity, several speakers spent time bashing President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democrats on several issues including immigration, crime and Israel.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing:
Jul 17, 2024, 8:13 PM EDT

'Build that wall' chants break out

As Jim and Sue Chilton took to the stage to talk about their experience as Arizona ranchers operating near the border, chants of "build that wall" erupted in the arena.

Sue Chilton and her husband Jim Chilton speak during the Republican National Convention, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Building a border wall from coast to coast was a key priority for Trump in his first term, though he implemented just roughly 450 miles of barriers -- much of which was upgrading existing barriers that already existed.

Jul 17, 2024, 8:11 PM EDT

Fact check on immigration, border issues

Republicans have been bashing the Biden administration's immigration policies, arguing that more undocumented immigrants have been entering the country.

Last month, Biden issued an executive action that limits the number of migrants who can claim asylum between ports of entry at the southern U.S. border.

Since then, the number of encounters at the southern border have decreased by more than 50%, according to government data.

The Department of Homeland Security said it removed and returned more than 50,000 individuals to more than 100 countries since the new rule went into effect.

Border Patrol agents made roughly 83,536 migrant apprehensions in between ports of entry at the southern border in June, the lowest since January 2021, according to government data.

-ABC News' Mireya Villarreal

Jul 17, 2024, 8:05 PM EDT

More attendees seen with bandaged ears

On the third night of the convention, more RNC attendees are seen sporting bandages on their ears -- a nod to the one Trump had on his ear that was struck in the assassination attempt during his appearances over the past two nights.

People wear "bandages" on their ears as they watch on the third day of the Republican National Convention, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Arizona delegate Stacy Goodman wears a 'bandage' on her ear on the third day of the Republican National Convention, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Trump was seen wearing a bandage while walking on the convention stage earlier Wednesday as well. He is expected to appear at the convention later tonight.

Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump walks onstage before the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention in the Fiserv Forum, on July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

Jul 17, 2024, 8:04 PM EDT

Peter Navarro, newly released from prison, greeted with loud applause

Peter Navarro, Trump's former White House trade adviser, was greeted with loud applause as he took to the stage hours after he was released from federal prison upon completing his sentence on contempt of Congress charges.

Navarro served four months in a low security facility in Miami for defying a subpoena from the Jan. 6. congressional committee.

Former Director of the US Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Peter Navarro arrives to speak during the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 17, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

"I've got a very simple message for you. If they can come for me, if they can come for Donald Trump -- be careful, they will come for you," he told the crowd.

"If we don't control our government, their government will control us," he continued.

Navarro said the "D.C. swamp" jailed him "but did not break me," as the crowd chanted "Fight, fight, fight."

"They will never break Donald Trump," he said.

Navarro called himself a "wake-up call," adding, "I went to prison so you don't have to."