Day 1 of the 2024 RNC kicked off the weeklong event with a bang as newsworthy moments poured out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Here are the five biggest moments of the day.
Donald Trump’s grand entrance
Former President Trump made his first public appearance since the assassination attempt against him on Monday.
The stadium in Milwaukee erupted into a long period of thunderous applause and cheers as Trump entered the stadium. Support for the former president surged in the days following his assassination attempt, and his reception at the RNC was evidence that the GOP is rallying around a candidate.
J.D. Vance was announced as Vice-Chancellor
Speculation about who Trump would choose as a running mate has been rife for months as the former president weighs his options.
Trump leans into a horse-race mentality, often dropping the names of popular candidates but never making any commitments. He continued the suspense in the final hour by choosing Vance.
Once the RNC wraps up this week, Vance is set to hit the campaign trail immediately.
Union boss calls Trump a ‘gritty SOB’
Minutes after Trump arrived at the Milwaukee arena, Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, described him as “a tough SOB” in light of the assassination attempt on the 2024 Republican nominee.
O’Brien’s presence marked an unusual alignment between the GOP and labor unions, which many commentators said was a sign of a new Republican party.
Details of call with Biden after Trump assassination attempt
Trump has provided the first details of his phone conversation with President Biden, hours after Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate him.
Biden indicated on Saturday that he spoke briefly with Trump after the shooting, but he did not provide details. Trump said Biden “couldn’t have been nicer” in the conversation, adding that it was “nice, short and respectful.”
Elon Musk pledges $45 million a month to Trump PAC
While billionaire Elon Musk did not attend the RNC, he announced massive plans to support Trump’s campaign in the final months of the race.
Musk says
He donates $45 million a month to the pro-Trump America PAC. Musk supported Trump after the assassination attempt in Butler, PA this weekend. Although he had previously spoken favorably of the former president, he had not given a formal endorsement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
