11:03 PM EDT
Trump went off script
Trump went off script for the first major time tonight, as he talked about Dana White, Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood and Hulk Hogan.
He also took a jab at Nancy Pelosi — comments that were not on the teleprompter.
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 18, 2024, 11:03 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:
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Here's how the news is developing.
10 hours and 56 minutes ago
Trump gushes over Hulk Hogan's speech
Trump praised Hulk Hogan for his speech earlier tonight.
"When he used to press a big man into the audience, I said maybe it is entertainment but he is strong," he said as Hulk smiled on.
The former praised Hulk Hogan for his speech at the Republican National Convention.
11:02 PM EDT
Trump references his classified-documents case
In his speech, Trump just spiked the football over the dismissal of his classified-documents case on Monday. (The decision is likely to be appealed.) That was a major victory for Trump, but I believe he is the first speaker of the entire RNC to mention it.
—538's Nathaniel Rakich
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.
