Donald Trump speaks at Republican National Convention live updates: First speech since assassination attempt
“I had God on my side.”
Donald Trump has detailed how he survived an assassination attempt while giving his first speech since being shot at a Republican rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday (NZ time).
“The assassin’s bullet came within a quarter of an inch of taking my life,” Trump told supporters today.
“I heard a whizzing sound and heard something hit me.
“I said to myself, ‘Wow what was that, it can only be a bullet’,”
The former US President is speaking at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with live updates in the blog below.
He said he “proudly” accepted the Republican nomination and would “never stop fighting” for his country.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER THE LIVE BLOG:
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"Quite simply, we will make America great again," he said, finishing his speech after more than 1h30 on stage.
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Trump said America's future will be more united than ever before.
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The crowd is now chanting "win, win, win".
Trump chants with them.
"No one will ever stop us," he adds.
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"Together we will press forward and we will win, win win."
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He said the country must put differences aside and come together.
"I am humbly asking for your vote."
"I will never let you down."
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Trump said building monuments to our ancestors "is a good thing."
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"We are going to come together and success will bring us together."
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Trump claimed that Billy Graham's son Franklin told him not to use foul language in his speech.
He then said his father used to take him to see Billy Graham at Yankee Stadium.
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"We will not have men playing in women's sports," Trump now said.
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He's also claiming he will find the cure to many diseases, including cancer.
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The former president said he wants to build an iron dome across the US to target weapons and missiles.
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He said "we want our hostages back."
"They had better be back before I assume office, otherwise you will be paying a very big price."
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"I could stop wars with a telephone call," Trump said.
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He claimed the USA gave up Bagram airbase in Afghanistan and China now has it.
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Trump talking about his meeting with the head of the Taliban government, claimed he was called "your excellency".
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The former President said soldiers left behind $85 billion worth of military equipment in Afghanistan.
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Trump has now been speaking for more than 1h15.
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Trump now stating the withdraw from Afghanistan was a "massive humiliation" for the US.
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He is now bragging about how well he got along with Kim Jong-Un.
"I think he misses me if you want to know the truth."
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Trump claimed he destroyed ISIS in a matter of months.
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Donald Trump repeats claim migrants are coming from mental institutions and prisons. “They’re emptying out their insane asylums.” This is not true and there is no evidence it’s happening.
- The Washington Post
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Trump claimed he spoke to the family members of several people who he claimed were killed by illegal immigrants who were then released.
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He promises to launch the largest deportation operation in the history of the country.
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He claimed if the Democrats win the next election, the next Republican convention would be in Venezuela.
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He claimed the world is laughing at the USA because of what they are getting away with.
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He claimed the Biden administration undid all of their immigration actions.
"The entire world is pouring into our country because of this administration."
"It is an invasion indeed and this administration does nothing to stop."
"They are emptying out their insane asylums"
Trump claims the president of an unnamed country is training their criminals to come into the USA.
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"Has anyone seen Silence of the Lambs? The late great Hannibal Lecter. He'd love to have you for dinner."
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Trump has now been talking for more than an hour but has long finished his prepared speech.
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Trump is showing a chart claiming illegal immigration has grown since he left office.
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"Two things on day 1: Drill, baby, drill and close our borders".
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He said his administration would stop the "illegal invasion" across the Southern border.
"Third world countries would stop this invasion."
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Another fact check from The Washington Post:
Donald Trump’s odd claim earlier that his opponents want to raise taxes “four times” is false.
“Biden has been consistent in saying he will not raise taxes on people making less than $400,000 a year, which leaves about the top 2 percent of taxpayers.”
- The Washington Post
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The former President said there would be "no tax on tips".
The crowd then started chanting "no tax on tips".
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Trump again claims that he will reduce people’s taxes while simultaneously lowering the nation’s debt. Trump added roughly $8 trillion to the national debt during his first term — the most of any president in US history.
- The Washington Post
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He said China and Mexico had stolen 68% of America's autoworking jobs and that they are going to be bringing them back.
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Trump claimed the trade deal with China was incredible but he doesn't bring it up because of the "China Virus".
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First mention of "the China virus" in his speech.
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Trump says he wants to put a 100 or 200% tariff on new imported cars if not built in the US.
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He said the United Autoworkers Union head should be fired and every auto worker should be voting for Trump.
Trump then said he would be bringing back automaking plants to the US.
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Trump reiterated claims that immigrants are taking the jobs of native-born Americans, including Black Americans. The percentage of native-born Americans who are employed, factoring for structural changes in age, is higher than at any year of the Trump administration.
- The Washington Post
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The former President called green energy idea "a green new scam" and he would end the electric vehicle mandate on day one, claiming he would save individuals thousands of dollars per car purchase.
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Trump said they plan to bring down energy costs.
He said they will become energy independent and soon become "energy dominant".
He claimed the Democrats would raise their taxes four times.
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He said their first priority is to get prices down across the country.
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Trump said the GOP's agenda is short and bold while the Democrats' is long and boring.
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"I will bring back the American dream."
"I am asking you be excited about the future of our country."
Trump then pointed to the media and the crowd members booed.
He said the media believed the RNC conference was the best organised in history.
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Donald Trump touched on his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him, saying “we’re never gonna let that happen again” and that people “used covid to cheat.”
- The Washington Post
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Trump said the damage Biden has done to the US is "unthinkable."
He said the USA had the strongest economy in the history of the world under his term
The former President said inflation was forcing people to use their savings.
Trump claimed 107% of the new jobs are being taken by illegal aliens.
He claimed the undocumented migrants are "taking black and Latino jobs".
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Trump appears to have gone off script now, after retelling the assassination attempt and thanking his family.
His tone appears to have shifted to his usual way of doing off-the-cuff speeches, talking faster and speaking in superlatives, talking about an "invasion" of "illegal aliens", attacking his political opponents, and claiming he can end large-scale international conflicts.
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"I will end every single international crisis that the current administration has created."
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He's promising to "finish the wall, most of which I've already built".
This is not true. Trump finished about 450 miles of wall, but the border is nearly 2,000 miles long.
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Trump is currently in Wisconsin where he narrowly lost to Biden in 2020, by less than 1%.
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"We will end lots of different things," Trump said.
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He promises to bring down inflation and interest rates.
"We will drill, baby, drill," he said. Now the crowd is chanting "drill".
"We will lead a large-scale decline in prices," Trump said.
'Our planet is teetering on the edge of WW3' - Trump
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"This will be the most important election in the history of our country," Trump said.
"Under the current leadership, we are in decline.
"Inflation and other factors are crushing our people
"We also have an illegal immigration crisis.
"It has spread poverty and disease all across our land.
"There are also crises abroad.
"Our planet is teetering on the edge of WW3
"This will be a war like no other because of the weaponry ... these weapons are obliteration."
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"Under our leadership the US will be great again. No country will question our might," Trump said.
"We will restore peace and harmony all throughout the world."
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"He's gonna be a great vice-president," he said of JD Vance.
When people said we're gonna stop MAGA he would say "MAGA is Make America Great Again, how are you going to fight it?", Trump said.
To Vance he said "JD, you're gonna be doing this a long time, so enjoy the ride".
He told the crowd to "give us your vote" in November.
"I am trying to buy your vote, I'll be honest about that."
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Trump is now thanking his vice-presidential pick, JD Vance and his wife.
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Trump is now thanking his many children, finally with youngest child - "Barron, we love our Barron."
"And my 10 wonderful grandchildren, who you saw up there on my lap [earlier]."
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He was honoured to be joined "on this amazing journey" by my amazing wife, Melania, Trump said to cheers.
"Melania, thank you very much and you did a letter to America calling for unity."
"That was beautiful."
'I am the one saving democracy' Trump says
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"I am the one saving democracy for the people of our country," Trump said.
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He called for unity in a time when our nation is divided.
We must not politicise dissent, he said.
'I'm more determined than ever': Trump
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"I'm more determined than ever," Trump said.
"Our resolve is unbroken and unchanged to change this Government.
"I will never stop fighting for you, your family and our magnificent country.
"We're going to turn our nation around and we're going to do it very quickly.
"This election should be about the issues facing our country and how to make America safe, free and great again."
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"We've raised $6.3m over the last few days for the families of David, James and Corey."
One of Trump's friends had donated $1m to the families.
"We'll be sending a lot of money but it can't compensate," Trump said of his conversation with the mens' families.
He has now asked for people to observe a moment's silence in honour of "our friend, Corey".
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Trump has kissed the fire helmet of Compatere.
The helmet and the dead man's jacket are on the stage.
Trump acknowledges Corey Compatere, says he spoke to his wife today
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"Tragically the shooting claimed the life of one of our fellow compatriots - Corey Compatere - unbelievable hero."
Trump also acknowledged the two other men seriously injured in the incident.
"Compatere lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield for his family - a wife and two daughters."
The crowd is now chanting "Corey, Corey".
Trump recalls assassination attempt
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"It was a warm beautiful day," he began.
"Music was loudly playing and the campaign was doing really well".
"Everyone was really happy.
"I was discussing immigration.
"Behind me and to the right was large screen displaying a chart of border crossing under my leadership.
"The numbers were absolutely amazing.
"To see the chart i started to turn to my right and was ready to begin a little bit further to turn, which I'm glad I didn't do, when i heard a whizzing sound and heard something hit me.
"I said to myself 'wow what was that it can only be a bullet'.
"I felt blood.
"I knew it was serious and we were under attack.
"Bullets were continuing to fly, as very brave secret service agents rushed to the stage.
"These are great people, they pounced on top of me, there was blood pouring everywhere, and yet i felt very safe because i had God on my side.
"The amazing thing is prior to the shot if I hadn't moved my head at that last instant the assassin's bullet would've perfectly hit its mark and I wouldn't be here talking to you this evening.
"We had many bullets being fired. But crowds didn't run for the exits and stampede. Very unusual.
By not stampeding, many lives were saved," he said.
"They knew I was in very serious trouble. They saw the blood. Most thought I was dead."
"The ears bleed more than other parts of the body," a doctor told him Trump said.
"Bullets were flying over us yet I felt serene."
And then it all stopped. Our secret service sniper from a great distance and with only one bullet took the assassin's life.
"I'm not supposed to be here tonight."
"Yes you are," the crowd chanted in response.
"I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of Almighty God. Many people say it was a providential moment," he said. "It probably was."
"The crowd was confused because they thought I was dead. I knew I had to do something ... I raised my arm and started chanting 'fight, fight, fight'."
The crowd at the convention responded with the same chant in response.
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Trump continued:
The bullet came within quarter of an inch of taking my life.
You'll never hear it from me a second time because it's too painful to tell.
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He expressed gratitude for the love and support following the assassination attempt at my rally.
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Trump is smiling as the crowd first chanted "fight, fight" and then "Trump, Trump".
Trump officially accepts the nomination
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"With faith and devotion I proudly accept your nomination for president of the United States, he said to cheers and chants of USA."
'Four months from now we will have an incredible victory' - Trump
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Thank you, wow, Trump said to the crowd.
He thanked Kid Rock - "sometimes referred to as Bob".
"I stand before you with a message of confidence, strength and hope.
"Four months from now we will have an incredible victory."
"And we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country.
"The discord and division in our country must be healed, and quickly.
"We rise together or we fall apart."
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Trump has walked onto the stage to cheers as the song God Bless the USA is sung.
Trump is wearing a blue suit with red tie and American flag lapel. He is still wearing a bandage over his ear, injured when he narrowly avoided an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania five days ago.
Trump will be speaking publicly for the first time since cheating death.
The crowd is changing "USA! USA!"
Trump enters the stage
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He is still wearing a bandage on his ear.
Dana White praises Trump
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White says Trump is the "toughest" human being he's ever met in his life.
UFC CEO Dana White now speaking at the Republican convention
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Kid Rock has taken the stage at the RNC
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Kid Rock is now on stage hyping up the crowd with a "Fight, fight" song ahead of the 78-year-old former president's arrival.
"Say fight, fight", Rock sings.
"Fight, fight", the crowd repeats.
"Say Trump, Trump", he says, again to the crowd's response.
Just before Rock's appearance, Trump’s introduction video ended with photos of him raising his fist in defiance after he survived Saturday’s assassination attempt.
The arena broke out in loud cheers and chants of “U.S.A.!”
Former First Lady Melania Trump enters the building
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She has not been seen much in the campaign so far.
Trump is set to describe his assassination attempt in his speech
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According to the Daily Telegraph UK, the former president is expected to say: “The assassin’s bullet came within a quarter of an inch of taking my life.
“So many people have asked me what happened, and there, I’ll tell you what happened, and you’ll never hear it from me a second time, because it’s too painful to tell.”
Eric Trump gets facts wrong about unemployment rates
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Eric Trump, Donald Trump’s son, claimed that under his father’s administration “unemployment reached historic lows across all demographics.” Under Biden, the unemployment rate hit a low of 3.4% last year. The lowest the unemployment rate hit under Trump was 3.5%.
- The Washington Post
Trump sitting next to JD Vance
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Eric Trump addressing his dad, saying he has a backbone that cannot be broken.
People are shouting "fight, fight, fight".
Eric Trump says his father is 'not a threat to democracy'
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“He has defied the predictions of every political pundit. He fills stadiums across our country. He energizes Americans to the issues facing this nation, and does so with unvarnished honesty,” Eric Trump told convention attendees.
“He is not a threat to democracy. He is a threat to those who despise our republic, many whom are bought and sold, bribed and coerced, people who have never signed the front of a check and who have been dependent on the government … their entire adult lives.”
Donald Trump will officially accept his nomination as Republican candidate
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Trump is about to make his first speech since the assassination attempt.
STORY CONTINUES:
Day four, the final day of the convention, sees Hulk Hogan among speakers before Trump addresses the arena and formally accepts the Republican Party’s nomination for President.
Wrestling icon Hogan joined a fight-themed speaking line-up on the final day of the Republican National Convention that also includes Dana White, the chief executive of Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Linda McMahon, the former chief executive of WWE, the professional wrestling promotion company.
Earlier this week, Republican senator Byron Donalds referenced the WWE star when he said delegates should expect Trump’s entrance on Thursday to look like “Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania”.
The 70-year-old Hogan, who captivated millions of wrestling fans worldwide at the peak of his career in the 1980s and early 1990s, has often spoken of his interest in presidential politics.
“We need somebody in there that’s got some common sense, you know what I’m saying?” Hogan told Fox & Friends last month. “So if you need a President or a Vice-President, I’ll volunteer and take this country over, and I’ll rule with an iron fist.”
Hogan is also a longstanding Trump supporter who recently joined the chorus of condemnation over the attempted assassination of the former President.
Previously, he backed then-Democrat presidential hopeful Barack Obama in 2008 but switched to Mitt Romney, his Republican opponent, in 2012.
Beyond the ring, Hogan has been involved in a string of high-profile controversies.
During the early 1990s, he was implicated in a federal investigation into steroid distribution by WWE.
In 1991, he admitted on the Arsenio Hall Show to using steroids for medical purposes but denied using them to enhance his wrestling performance.
In 2015, a video made public by the National Enquirer revealed Hogan making controversial remarks, including using a racial slur while discussing his daughter’s partner.
In the video, recorded in 2007, Hogan said: “I guess we’re all a little racist.”
WWE terminated Hogan’s contract and removed references to him from their website and Hall of Fame, but he was reinstated in 2018 after the company said he deserved a “second chance”.
In 2012, a sex tape featuring Hogan and Heather Clem, the wife of his friend Bubba the Love Sponge, was leaked, with Gawker Media publishing a portion of it.
Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy, leading to a highly publicised trial.
In 2016, Hogan won the lawsuit, resulting in a US$140 million ($231m) judgment against Gawker, which led to the company’s bankruptcy.