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, 10:26 PM EDT

Trump grandchild Kai Trump addresses RNC

Kai Trump, the eldest granddaughter of Trump, took to the RNC to, as she put it, to "share the side of my grandpa that people don't often see."

"He gives us candy and soda when our parents are not looking," she said, as Trump looked attentively on smiling.

Kai Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, Jr., speaks on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wis., July 17, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

"He calls me during the middle of the school day to ask how my golf game is going and tells me all about his. But then I have to remind him that I'm in school and I will have to call him back later," she said. "When we play golf together, if I'm not on his team, he will try to get inside of my head. And he is always surprised that I don't let him get to me. But I have to remind him, I'm a Trump, too."

Kai, 17, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr., addressed Trump's legal troubles, saying, "Even when he is going through all of these court cases, he always asks me how I'm doing."

Son of former US President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. hugs his daughter Kai Madison Trump during the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 17, 2024.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

She said she was "shocked" to hear about Saturday's assassination attempt.

"It was heartbreaking that someone would do that to another person," she said. "A lot of people have put my grandpa through hell and he's still standing. Grandpa, you are such an inspiration and I love you."

Kai Trump, the eldest granddaughter of Trump, took to the RNC to, as she put it, "share the side of my grandpa that people don't often see."
2:41

Trump's grandchild, Kai Trump, addresses RNC

Kai Trump, the eldest granddaughter of Trump, took to the RNC to, as she put it, "share the side of my grandpa that people don't often see."
ABCNews.com

Jul 17, 2024, 10:22 PM EDT

'Kai 2040,' attendee shouts

After Trump’s eldest granddaughter, Kai Trump, spoke at the RNC, her father Donald Trump Jr. commended her for speaking in such a large crowd.

“Kai 2040,” someone yelled.

“Thank you, sir,” Trump Jr. responded with a laugh.

Jul 17, 2024, 10:14 PM EDT

Crowd emotional, rises to their feet for D-Day vet

Sergeant William Pekrul, everyday American and World War II veteran, speaks on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wis., July 17, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

D-Day veteran William Pekrul’s speech had some attendees wiping tears from their eyes and or raising their hands in appreciation.

Several times, the crowd stood up to cheer “USA” as he discussed his service.

William Pekrul’s speech had some attendees wiping tears from their eyes.
3:06

Crowd emotional, rises to their feet for D-Day vet

William Pekrul’s speech had some attendees wiping tears from their eyes.
ABCNews.com

Jul 17, 2024, 10:08 PM EDT

Fiserv Forum packed ahead of JD Vance’s speech

The convention center is the most crowded it has been all week as attendees wait to hear from their vice presidential nominee.

For the first time, the upper level is filled with people and nearly every seat with an unobstructed view of the stage has been taken.