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 18, 2024, 9:59 PM 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.
9:46 PM EDT

'God spared his life,' evangelist Franklin Graham says

Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, remarked on the attempted assassination on Trump during his speech.

"Last Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Trump had a near-death experience. No question, but God spared his life," Graham said.

Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, speaks on Day 4 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 18, 2024.
Jeenah Moon/Reuters

Speaking on Trump's time in office, Graham said the former president followed through on his promises to appoint conservative justices to the Supreme Court and "defend religious liberty."

The president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association also offered a prayer at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association also offered a prayer at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

9:44 PM EDT

Hulk Hogan riles RNC crowd, rips off shirt

The retired professional wrestler spoke on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The retired professional wrestler spoke on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Hulk Hogan, bandana and sunglasses on his head and a sports coat covering his tank top, revved the crowd up with "USA" chants and called Trump "my hero" and a "gladiator."

US pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan rips his shirt off to reveal a Trump-Vance campaign shirt 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

By the middle of his remarks, he lost his jacket and ripped his tank top off to reveal a Trump-Vance T-shirt, crescendoing with passion as he said,"I think about how his family was compromised, how his business was compromised. But what happened last week when they took a shot at my hero -- and tried to kill the president of the United States -- enough was enough"

"Let Trump-O-Mania rule again, let Trump-O-Mania make America great again," he shouted, a nod to his career as a WWE entertainer.

Hogan abandoned the teleprompter and free-wheeled with his penchant theatrics, earning a "thank you" from Trump and energizing the crowd some 20 minutes before the former president takes the stage to accept his nomination.

9:37 PM EDT

Hogan is a popular messenger for Trump

According to YouGov, Hogan is the 41st most famous sports personality in the U.S. Fifty-one percent of people have a positive opinion of him, while only 18% dislike him.

—538's Nathaniel Rakich

9:37 PM EDT

Hulk Hogan has largely stayed out of politics before now

We’re now hearing from former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, who once endorsed former President Barack Obama (then later rescinded that support). However, he has largely remained out of political discussions. Prior to this RNC appearance, I think the closest political act I can recall is when he arm-wrestled late former Mayor of Toronto, Canada, Rob Ford.
—538's Kaleigh Rogers