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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Trump friend Steve Witkoff shares emotional story of son's opioid death
Real estate investor Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend of Trump, shared an emotional story of his son's death from an opioid overdose, recounting how Trump was by his side during the "unbearable" loss.
"Many Americans have only witnessed his leadership on TV, but I have seen his humanity in the quiet moments come away from the spotlight, in hospital rooms he did not have to be in, where his presence brought real solace in a dark hour [for] my family and many other families," Witkoff said.
Witkoff said Trump invited him to speak about his son, Andrew, at a conference on opioids hosted by the then-first lady Melania Trump, to honor his son's memory.
"When the day of the conference came, he went out of his way that day to come and put his hand on my shoulder and say, 'Steve,' as he led me up to the lectern, 'Tell the world about your boy.'"
"My boy was the best of us," he continued.
Witkoff said he holds the memory of his son close by wearing his personal effects, including his watch and ring, and keeping his college ID in his pocket. Though he gave his guitar to Trump, who put it on display at one of his properties, he said.
"A sacred tribute to a true friend who is gone and a cause that remains -- opioid abuse," Witkoff said.
Some clap and whoop as Trump video about voting plays
As a video played on the big screen about Trump encouraging Republicans to "protect" the vote, several people in the crowd were clapping their hands and whooping.
Trump stood standing while the video played.
A "we love Trump" chant broke out after it ended.
Country star Jason Aldean seen in Trump's VIP box
Country music star Jason Aldean was seen in the front row of Trump's VIP box tonight. Trump stood next to him upon arriving at the convention earlier.
Aldean recently dedicated his song "Try That in a Small Town" to Trump in the wake of the assassination attempt.
Trump gets roaring ovation as he arrives
Trump entered the arena around 7:53 p.m. ET to a roaring crowd.
Trump was still sporting a bandage to his right ear, which was wounded in last week's attempted assassination during a rally.
AC/DC's song "Back in Black" played as he made his way to his seat.