Trump arrives in Milwaukee for Republican National Convention

Former US President Trump arrived in Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention one day after surviving an assassination attempt.

Despite a shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday night that left Trump shot in the ear, the party’s convention in Milwaukee went ahead as planned.

Trump posted on social media that he had considered postponing his trip by two days, “but just decided that I cannot allow ‘shooters’ or potential assassins to force changes in schedules or anything else.”

The attack on Trump has heightened concerns about safety and security at the event, which begins Monday at the arena, home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks basketball team.

But Secret Service Republican National Committee Coordinator Audrey Gibson-Cicchino said at a news conference in Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon that there would be no changes to security plans.

About 50,000 people are expected to attend the four-day celebration, political and policy extravaganza, where the party will make its case to voters ahead of November’s general election.

The two major political parties in the United States hold a convention every four years to formally select their respective presidential candidates and prepare for the final stage of the campaign.

These conferences include high-profile speakers, as well as prime-time speeches from the presidential candidates themselves.

During the convention, delegates from each state pledge to support the candidate of their choice and approve a platform.

For Trump, it’s just a formality as the party’s presumptive nominee, as he won 2,265 delegates in the primary, enough to secure the nomination.

The Democratic Party will hold its national convention in Chicago next month.

Trump is not expected to speak until Thursday night.

One of the biggest moments of the meeting will be when he unveils his vice presidential nominee.

But as the dust settles on the assassination attempt, it’s unclear when Trump will announce his choice as his running mate or when he or she will give a speech.

Donald Trump Jr., the former president’s son, is expected to speak on Wednesday.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, one of Trump’s fiercest rivals during the Republican primary, was initially expected to skip the RNC.

But following the assassination, it was reported that she will now not only attend the conference but also speak at it.

Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene, Georgia congresswoman and Arizona Republican Kari Lake are also reportedly scheduled to speak.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Dana White, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Teamsters union president Sean O’Brien are also expected among the speakers.

Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee and the former president’s daughter-in-law, said this year’s speakers will include celebrities.

Amber Rose, model, reality TV star and ex-girlfriend of Kanye West, is expected to address the crowd.

But former stalwarts of the Republican establishment, such as George W. Bush, Mike Pence and Mitt Romney, were not on the guest list.

According to US media reports, former first lady Melania Trump, who rarely makes public appearances, will attend the conference.

Mrs. Trump did not attend the June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and Trump. She also did not attend her husband’s hush money trial earlier this year.

Although the former first lady has hosted Republican fundraisers over the past year, this will be her first major appearance this election cycle.

Monday’s theme is “Make America Rich Again,” Tuesday’s theme is “Make America Safe Again,” Wednesday’s theme is “Make America Great Again,” and Thursday’s theme is “Make America Great Again.”

This year’s party platform has 16 pages.

Some topics from Plan 2025, a longer think tank proposal, may also be raised during the conference.

Trump has distanced himself from Plan 2025, calling for expanded presidential powers, the elimination of thousands of civil service jobs, tax cuts and the dismantling of the Department of Education.

A demonstration called the “Union March to the Republican National Committee” is scheduled to be held at noon local time on Monday.

Organizers said they expected 5,000 people to attend, with support from 125 liberal activist groups across the country.

“Join us in confronting the Republican Party’s racist and reactionary agenda and standing with Palestine; defending women’s, LGBTQ and reproductive rights; defending and expanding immigrant rights, and advocating for peace,” coalition co-chair Omar Flores said Friday. , justice and fairness.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the city will ensure public safety this week.

“A National Special Security Incident is the highest level a security incident of its kind can receive in the United States,” Mayor Johnson said.

You can follow the latest news, including the live page, at BBC website/news.

BBC World News and BBC News (broadcast globally and in the UK respectively) will broadcast Trump’s speech live on Thursday and bring you the subsequent reaction and analysis.

You can also watch it on the RNC website.