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, 9:07 PM EDT

Tucker Carlson touts Trump's 'transformation' after shooting

The former Fox News host took the stage to a standing crowd.
5:43

Tucker Carlson touts Trump's 'transformation' after shooting

The former Fox News host took the stage to a standing crowd.
ABCNews.com

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson took the stage to a standing crowd.

Carlson, who did not use a teleprompter, talked about how last week's assassination attempt resulted in a "transformation" in the former president.

US political commentator Tucker Carlson speaks during the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 18, 2024.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

"He was no longer just a political party’s nominee, or a former president or a future president. This was the leader of a nation," he said.

Carlson said he spoke with Trump immediately after the shooting and the former president said he was amazed the crowd did not run away.

"This is the most responsible, unifying behavior from a leader that I've ever seen," he said.

Carlson and Fox News agreed to part ways last year following the network's $787.5 million settlement agreement with Dominion Voting Systems.

Dominion accused Fox News in a lawsuit of knowingly pushing false conspiracy theories that the voting machine company rigged the 2020 presidential election in Joe Biden's favor.

Jul 18, 2024, 8:39 PM EDT

Deafening applause for Tucker Carlson

The arena immediately rose to its feet for the former Fox host.

US political commentator Tucker Carlson speaks during the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 18, 2024.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Many are taking out their cellphones to record him speaking on stage.

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