RNC 2024 Day 4 updates: Trump pitches unity, but revives old grievances in longest acceptance speech in history
Trump leaned into his usual talking points during his RNC speech.
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.
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Fact check: Immigration
Trump argued there was "a massive invasion at our southern border that has spread misery, crime, poverty, disease, and destruction to communities all across our land."
The reality is that there is no evidence that points to a major surge in crime caused by recent arrivals, and Trump's claims ignore the fact that overall, crime is down across the country.
Violent crimes were down 6% in the fourth quarter of 2023 (through December 2023) compared to the same time frame last year, according to the latest FBI statistics. There is also no evidence to show that any significant number of migrants are coming from mental institutions or prisons. for drug crimes, and over 4 times more likely to be arrested for property crimes” than undocumented immigrants.
There was a 13% decline in murders, and a 4% drop in property crimes across the country, the data showed.
U.S. Citizens also commit crimes at higher rates than undocumented immigrants.
A 2020 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed U.S.-born citizens “are over 2 times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes, 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug crimes, and over 4 times more likely to be arrested for property crimes” than undocumented immigrants.
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
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.
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.