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, 11:09 PM EDT

Trump says Vance has a bright future

Trump implies that Vance has a long political future ahead of him: "JD, you're going to be doing this for a long time. Enjoy the ride."

But a lot of that is up to Trump himself: As I wrote a few weeks ago, losing vice-presidential candidates never become president themselves. Even winning vice-presidential candidates find it difficult to climb that last rung of the latter; only two of the last 10 vice presidents (not counting Harris) eventually became president.

—538's Nathaniel Rakich

Jul 18, 2024, 11:07 PM EDT

Trump jokes to Wisconsin 'I'm trying to buy your vote'

Trump praised the RNC's host city and argued the convention helped Milwaukee's economy.

"I'm trying to buy your vote. I will be honest about that. And I promise we will make Wisconsin great again," he said.

Donald Trump praised the RNC's host city and argued the convention helped Milwaukee's economy.
1:07

Trump jokes to Wisconsin: 'I'm trying to buy your vote'

Donald Trump praised the RNC's host city and argued the convention helped Milwaukee's economy.
ABCNews.com

Jul 18, 2024, 11:05 PM EDT

Trump calls Vance his 'new friend and partner fighting by my side'

Trump said he is thrilled to have Sen. JD Vance as his "new friend and partner fighting by my side."

"He is going to be great for this country and with this movement, greatest movement, 'Make America Great Again,'" he said.

The former president said he is thrilled to have Sen. JD Vance as his "new friend and partner fighting by my side."
1:22

Trump calls Vance his 'new friend' at RNC

The former president said he is thrilled to have Sen. JD Vance as his "new friend and partner fighting by my side."
ABCNews.com

Jul 18, 2024, 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.