New York: On June 15, the Republican Party officially named Donald Trump as their candidate to challenge President Joe Biden in the upcoming November election.
The announcement was made during the Republican National Convention, where Trump appeared with a bandage over his right ear, a visible reminder of a recent assassination attempt. The event saw attendance from top party figures, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who is of Indian descent. The convention is set to conclude on Thursday.
In a significant move, JD Vance was declared as the vice-presidential candidate. Trump announced the 39-year-old Ohio Senator's selection through social media, emphasizing that it followed extensive consultations. Known for his sharp critiques of political opponents, Vance has previously been vocal against Trump. His wife, Usha Chilkuri Vance, also has Indian roots.
This announcement marked Trump’s first public appearance since the assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, where he narrowly escaped with a graze wound. The gunman, a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, was neutralized by Secret Service snipers. The FBI and Secret Service are still investigating the motive behind the attack.
Trump’s decision to attend the convention despite the recent shooting underscored his determination not to let threats alter his plans. He shared his sentiments on social media, stating, "I cannot allow a 'shooter' or potential assassin to force change to scheduling or anything else."
During the convention, Trump and Vance were formally nominated by the Republican National Committee. Vance, accompanied by his wife, Usha, addressed the delegates following the announcement.
Adding to the day's developments, a federal judge in Florida dismissed charges against Trump and his codefendants, citing that the special counsel’s appointment was improperly funded.
The convention will see about 2,400 delegates from across the country participating in the formal roll call vote to nominate Trump. With Florida expected to play a pivotal role in the nomination process, Trump had already secured the necessary delegates by March, ultimately garnering 2,243 delegates.
On Thursday night, Trump is set to accept the nomination for the third time since 2016.
The convention will also feature the adoption of a new party platform, which includes a more flexible stance on abortion, advocating for state-level decision-making. Other proposals include the construction of a missile defense shield and promises of tax cuts and deportations of illegal immigrants.
A lineup of speakers for the convention has been announced, featuring politicians, celebrities, and members of Trump’s family. Notable speakers include Trump’s older sons, Donald Jr.'s fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, RNC co-chair Lara Trump, and others like country musicians Lee Greenwood and Chris Janson, rapper Amber Rose, and commentator Tucker Carlson. Despite speculation, neither Melania Trump nor Ivanka Trump are scheduled to speak.
Among those slated to speak are potential vice-presidential picks, such as Burgum, Vance, Scott, and Rubio, along with Trump’s primary rivals, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.
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