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, 10:59 PM EDT

Trump addresses ruling in classified documents case

Trump's speech comes days after a federal judge dismissed the classified documents case against the former president.

Judge Aileen Cannon ruled Monday that Jack Smith's appointment as special counsel overseeing the documents case was unconstitutional because special counsel Jack Smith was not appointed by the president or confirmed by Congress.

Trump said he had "very big news" and addressed the "major ruling."

"The entire case was thrown out," he said to applause.

"If Democrats want to unify our country, they should drop these partisan witch hunts," he said.

A spokesperson for the special counsel said they had been authorized to appeal the ruling.

Trump's speech comes days after a federal judge dismissed the classified documents case against the former president.
2:18

Trump addresses ruling in classified documents case

Trump's speech comes days after a federal judge dismissed the classified documents case against the former president.
ABCNews.com

Jul 18, 2024, 10:53 PM EDT

Crowd grows louder as Trump goes after Democrats, DOJ

After a somber moment where Trump talked about the shooting, the crowd is getting louder again as he shifts to criticizing Democrats and what he called the “weaponized” justice system.

Jul 18, 2024, 10:51 PM EDT

Trump announces over $6M raised for shooting victims

Trump announced on stage that over $6.3 million was raised for the victims shot during Saturday's rally.

"When speaking to the family, I told them, we will be sending you a lot of money but it cannot compensate. They all said the same thing," he said.

Jul 18, 2024, 10:49 PM EDT

Trump addresses shooting victims

Near Trump on the stage is the firefighting gear, including the helmet and jacket, that belonged to Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the attempted assassination on the former president in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump kisses the helmet of Corey Comperatore during the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Matt Rourke/AP

"Tragically the shooter claimed the life of one of our fellow Americans, Corey Comperatore -- an unbelievable person, everyone tells me -- and seriously wounded two other great warriors," he said.

He called them "serious Trumpsters" and said he's spoken to their families. At one point he walked over and kissed Comperatore's helmet.

Near Trump on the stage is the firefighting gear, including the helmet and jacket, that belonged to Corey Comperatore, who was killed during an attempted assassination of Trump at a campaign rally.
3:55

Trump addresses rally shooting victims, calls for moment of silence

Near Trump on the stage is the firefighting gear, including the helmet and jacket, that belonged to Corey Comperatore, who was killed during an attempted assassination of Trump at a campaign rally.
ABCNews.com