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, 7:54 PM EDT

Trump gets roaring ovation as he arrives

Trump entered the arena around 7:53 p.m. ET to a roaring crowd.

Former President Donald Trump arrives on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Trump was still sporting a bandage to his right ear, which was wounded in last week's attempted assassination during a rally.

AC/DC's song "Back in Black" played as he made his way to his seat.

The former president came out to watch longtime friend Steve Witkoff's speech from the friends and family box.
1:50

Donald Trump makes appearance at RNC ahead of speech

The former president came out to watch longtime friend Steve Witkoff's speech from the friends and family box.
ABCNews.com

Jul 18, 2024, 7:48 PM EDT

Cheeseheads dominate the RNC stands

Several RNC attendees got into the Wisconsin spirit, sporting cheesehead hats.

Wisconsin delegate Bob Kordus wears a cheese hat during the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Paul Sancya/AP

The headwear has been a tradition at big Wisconsin events events, including Green Bay Packers games.

Barbara Bittner wears a cheese hat during the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Jae C. Hong/AP

Some of the cheeseheads were modified with pictures of Trump and his campaign logo.

Jul 18, 2024, 7:46 PM EDT

Mike Pompeo says he's 'disgusted' by Afghanistan withdrawal

Mike Pompeo, who served as secretary of state under Trump, addressed Biden's withdrawal from Afghanistan during his remarks.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks on Day 4 of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 18, 2024.
Mike Segar/Reuters

"I'm disgusted by the Biden administration's incompetent pullout from that country," he said.

To those who served, he said, "Know that your service was honorable."

In other jabs at Biden, he said the president talks a "big game" about American values but has "put woke" into the military and schools, and claimed he "can't handle that 3 a.m. phone call."

The former congressman served as U.S. secretary of state in former President Trump’s White House cabinet.
1:45

Mike Pompeo ‘disgusted’ by Afghanistan withdrawal under Biden

The former congressman served as U.S. secretary of state in former President Trump’s White House cabinet.
ABCNews.com

Jul 18, 2024, 7:29 PM EDT

Linda McMahon touts Trump tax cuts

Linda McMahon, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under Trump, spoke about the former president's economic policies during his first term, specifically his tax cut plans.

"He knew that small businesses are the engine of the American economy, and the Trump tax cut proved to be like rocket fuel for them," she said.

McMahon, the co-founder and former CEO of WWE, said that if reelected, Trump would make those tax cuts permanent.

Linda McMahon speaks during the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 18, 2024.
Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

Linda McMahon, Trump's administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, spoke about Trump's economic policies during his first term, specifically his tax cut plans.
1:21

Linda McMahon touts Trump tax cuts at RNC

Linda McMahon, Trump's administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, spoke about Trump's economic policies during his first term, specifically his tax cut plans.
ABCNews.com