Jul 18, 2024, 8:39 PM EDT
Deafening applause for Tucker Carlson
The arena immediately rose to its feet for the former Fox host.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Many are taking out their cellphones to record him speaking on stage.
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:
- Jul 19, 2024, 12:13 AM EDT
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
