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

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

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, 8:37 PM EDT

Trump to bring Butler shooting victim's firefighter gear on stage: Sources

When Trump takes the stage tonight, sources close to the former president told ABC News he will have with him a helmet and firefighter jacket that belonged to Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the attempted assassination on the former president in Butler, Pennsylvania.

A spokesperson for Comperatore's family confirmed to ABC News they provided the helmet and gear to the Trump campaign.

Flowers and a tribute to fallen firefighter Corey Comperatore are pictured at the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company in Buffalo Township Pa., July 15, 2024.
Sue Ogrocki/AP

-ABC News' Katherine Faulders and John Santucci

Jul 18, 2024, 8:33 PM EDT

Alina Habba on Trump: 'He is my friend'

Alina Habba, the former president's attorney, spoke glowingly about Trump, whom she said has been an "empowering" boss. "He lifts up those around him," she said.

Donald's Trump attorney Alina Habba speaks during the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 18, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

"To my Iraqi parents,” she said, "he is a mentor to their daughter."

"But to me, he is my friend," she said, choking up.

The former president’s attorney spoke glowingly about Trump, who she said has been an “empowering” boss.
9:51

Alina Habba on Trump: ‘He is my friend’

The former president’s attorney spoke glowingly about Trump, who she said has been an “empowering” boss.
ABCNews.com

Jul 18, 2024, 8:28 PM EDT

Trump friend Steve Witkoff shares emotional story of son's opioid death

Real estate investor Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend of Trump, shared an emotional story of his son's death from an opioid overdose, recounting how Trump was by his side during the "unbearable" loss.

"Many Americans have only witnessed his leadership on TV, but I have seen his humanity in the quiet moments come away from the spotlight, in hospital rooms he did not have to be in, where his presence brought real solace in a dark hour [for] my family and many other families," Witkoff said.

Real estate investor and landlord Steve Witkoff speaks during the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 18, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Witkoff said Trump invited him to speak about his son, Andrew, at a conference on opioids hosted by the then-first lady Melania Trump, to honor his son's memory.

"When the day of the conference came, he went out of his way that day to come and put his hand on my shoulder and say, 'Steve,' as he led me up to the lectern, 'Tell the world about your boy.'"

"My boy was the best of us," he continued.

Witkoff said he holds the memory of his son close by wearing his personal effects, including his watch and ring, and keeping his college ID in his pocket. Though he gave his guitar to Trump, who put it on display at one of his properties, he said.

"A sacred tribute to a true friend who is gone and a cause that remains -- opioid abuse," Witkoff said.

Real estate investor Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend of Trump, shared an emotional story of his son's death from an opioid overdose, recounting how Trump was by his side during the "unbearable" loss.
4:55

Trump friend Steve Witkoff shares emotional story of son's opioid death

Real estate investor Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend of Trump, shared an emotional story of his son's death from an opioid overdose, recounting how Trump was by his side during the "unbearable" loss.
ABCNews.com

Jul 18, 2024, 8:19 PM EDT

Some clap and whoop as Trump video about voting plays

As a video played on the big screen about Trump encouraging Republicans to "protect" the vote, several people in the crowd were clapping their hands and whooping.

Trump stood standing while the video played.

A "we love Trump" chant broke out after it ended.