RNC 2024 Day 4 updates: Trump pitches unity, but revives old grievances

Trump leaned into his usual talking points during his RNC speech.

ByMeredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira, Alexandra Hutzler, Chris Boccia, and Tal Axelrod
Last Updated: July 19, 2024, 12:29 AM EDT

On the fourth and final day of the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump gave a highly anticipated speech, which he said beforehand would call for unity following his assassination attempt.

However in his first speech since the incident, Trump leaned into his usual talking points, slamming President Joe Biden, Democrats and other critics on a wide variety of issues from the economy, immigration and crime.

For over an hour, Trump went off script much to the crowd's delight. The former president told them he was grateful for their support after his brush with death but argued that the country needed to be fixed due to Biden's policies.

The night also included wild speeches from guests such as Hulk Hogan and Eric Trump, who echoed some of the former president's rhetoric bashing Biden and the Democrats.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Jul 18, 2024, 10:38 AM EDT

In RNC keynote, Trump says he'll stress 'unity' after assassination attempt

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 17, 2024.
Callaghan O'hare/Reuters

Trump will formally accept the GOP presidential nomination Thursday night and deliver his first speech since Saturday's assassination attempt, capping off an ebullient Republican convention at a time of heightened political uncertainty -- and now he says he will push for a more unifying message.

Such a tone would mark a departure both for Trump individually and for American politics writ large, though operatives and conventiongoers alike predicted a more subdued speech focused on uniting the country, with the nation captivated by news of the attempt on the former president's life in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"I think he's a changed man. Anytime you come within millimeters of your life, that has an effect," said Bryan Lanza, a former Trump campaign official who remains in touch with his current team. "I think, from his standpoint, he doesn't want to be a divisive figure. He wants to be a unifying figure at a time that the country is desperately seeking unity and needs unity."

Read more here.

-ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler and Tal Axelrod

Jul 18, 2024, 10:31 AM EDT

Trump, joined by family at RNC, to deliver speech tonight

Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump stands on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

On Day 4 of the Republican National Convention, former first lady Melania Trump is scheduled to arrive at the arena around the 8 p.m. CT/9 p.m. ET hour, publicly joining Trump on a major campaign event for the first time this election cycle. Other members of the Trump family are also expected to attend RNC events this evening.

Trump is scheduled to take the stage at 9:02 p.m. CT/10:02 p.m. ET, the first time we'll be seeing him speak publicly after his assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Thursday's theme is "Make America Great Once Again" and will feature speakers including Trump's son, Eric Trump; Montana Sen. Steve Daines; former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and UFC President Dana White.

-ABC News' Soorin Kim, Lalee Ibssa and Kelsey Walsh.