Republican National Convention: Read the Full Recap

Republican National Convention Concludes with Trump Family Taking the Stage

Donald Trump spoke at length after officially accepting his party's nomination at the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18.

He opened his speech talking about the attempt on his life and finished with a pledge to "make America great again."

After he finished, he was joined by his wife Melania, who had been absent from the convention until Thursday evening. Melania gave Trump a kiss on the cheek and said "good job."

Trump's children (minus son Barron) and grandchildren then appeared as red, white and blue balloons dropped from the ceiling. His running mate J.D. Vance and his wife Usha also joined Trump on stage as "Hold On, I'm Coming" by Sam & Dave, Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" and "America the Beautiful" blared over the loudspeakers.

The Democratic National Convention will kick off Aug. 19 in Chicago.

Trump Recalls the Assassination Attempt

Trump spent a significant portion of his speech talking about the assassination attempt at his campaign rally on July 13.

"I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me really, really hard on my right ear. I said to myself, 'Wow what was that? It can only be a bullet,' " Trump said. "I moved my right hand to my ear, brought it down, my hand was covered with blood. Just absolutely blood all over the place. I immediately knew it was very serious, that we were under attack, and in one movement proceeded to drop to the ground."

Echoing a detail Tucker Carlson brought up earlier in the evening, Trump suggested that the audience stayed put during the shooting because they didn't want to leave him behind.

"Nobody ran and by not stampeding, many lives were saved. But that isn't the reason they didn't move. The reason is that they knew I was in very serious trouble. They saw it. They saw me go down. They saw the blood, and thought — actually, most did — that I was dead," he said. "This beautiful crowd, they didn't want to leave me."

Trump displayed a firefighting uniform in honor of the firefighter who was killed at his rally. Two other rally-goers were critically injured.

Melania Trump Enters Late in the Program Ahead of Donald's Speech

Melania Trump arrived at the Republican National Convention shortly after 9 p.m. CT, her first public appearance this week.

Melania has kept a large distance from her husband's third presidential campaign, which launched in November 2022, missing many of the most significant public moments in Donald's recent life — including his criminal trial and first debate.

After a Delay in Schedule, Trump Returns with Family — Including Ivanka

Nearly a half-hour behind schedule, the Trump family entered the auditorium, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who were absent the three previous days.

A short time earlier, J.D. Vance and Donald Trump signed their official nomination paperwork off-stage in the presence of J.D.'s wife, Usha, and Trump family members Ivanka, Melania and Eric.

Melania has not yet been spotted in the arena.

Tucker Carlson Says Trump Was Proud That Rally Attendees Didn't Run During Shooting

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson — who called Trump a "demonic force" in a text message after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot — spoke at the RNC on Thursday night and recalled a phone call he had with Trump after the July 13 assassination attempt.

Carlson claimed that, in the wake of the shooting, Trump told him he was "proud" of his followers for choosing not to run when a gunman opened fire on the crowd.

"Well, of course they didn’t run," Carlson said of his reaction. "His courage gave them heart."

Trump's ear was grazed in the midst of the shooting at his Butler, Pa., campaign rally. One attendee was killed and two more were critically injured.

Trump Enters, Sits Beside Jason and Brittany Aldean in the Box

Speeches paused shortly before 7 p.m. CT to prepare for Trump's entrance at Fiserv Forum.

After a video reel of him dancing to "Y.M.C.A." played, the former president entered and made his way toward the box, shaking the hands of familiar people along the way, including former foe Ted Cruz.

Trump found his place at the box next to country singer Jason Aldean, who was wearing a T-shirt and baseball cap, and Jason's wife, Brittany Kerr Aldean. The Aldeans have been outspoken supporters of Trump.

Thursday's Speaker Lineup

The final night of the Republican National Convention will conclude with a speech from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Here's the full lineup:

5:30-6 p.m. CT: Montana Sen. Steve Daines, National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson

6-6:30 p.m. CT: Diane Hendricks, Florida property manager Diane Evans, former Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

6:30-7 p.m. CT: Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, head golf pro at Trump International Golf Club John Nieporte, real estate mogul Steve Witkoff & his son Zach

7-7:30 p.m. CT: Trump attorney Alina Habba, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson

7:30-8 p.m. CT: Trump National Doral Golf General Manager Carrie Ruiz, retired wrestler Hulk Hogan, former corrections officer Annette Albright

8-9 p.m. CT: Evangelist Franklin Graham, former first son Eric Trump, UFC CEO Dana White

9-10:30 p.m. CT: Former President Donald Trump

J.D. Vance's Mother Beverly Joins Him on Stage After He Accepts Vice Presidential Nomination

Beverly "Bev" Vance, the mother of J.D. Vance, joined her son and daughter-in-law Usha at the conclusion of his speech on night 3 of the Republican National Convention.

Vance referenced growing up the child of a single mom in his speech, and revealed Bev was "10 years clean and sober."

"You know, Mom, I was thinking. It'll be 10 years officially in January 2025. And if President Trump's okay with it, let's have the celebration in the White House," he said as the audience cheered.

J.D. Vance Officially Accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination

J.D. Vance officially accepted the Republican vice presidential nomination on Night 3 of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

"And so tonight, Mr. Chairman, I stand here humbled, and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude to say I officially accept your nomination to be Vice President of the United States of America," the Ohio senator told attendees.

Usha Vance, J.D. Vance's Wife, Introduces Vice Presidential Candidate During RNC

Usha Vance introduced her husband, vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, during the Republican National Convention Saturday, July 13, and spoke about the couple’s history and her own background as the child of immigrants.

“My background is very different from J.D.’s. I grew up in San Diego, in a middle class community with two loving parents, both immigrants from India, and a wonderful sister that J.D. and I could meet at all, let alone fall in love and marry, is a testament to this great country,” she said.

Donald Trump Jr. Calls Murdered Firefighter Corey Comperatore a ‘Hero’ in RNC Speech

Donald Trump’s oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., spoke ahead of vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance’s speech at the Republican National Convention on July 17, specifically addressing the firefighter who was killed during the assassination attempt at last weekend’s Butler campaign rally.

“An incredible patriotic rally turned into a tragedy on a field in Butler, Pennsylvania. A brave firefighter died, others were injured, and as those bullets rained down, we came millimeters away from one of the darkest moments in our nation's history,” said Trump Jr.

“But we did lose an American hero that day. We wish that he were with us tonight, but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family, his community and the nation that he loved.”

Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old Pa. firefighter, was struck and killed while attending the Trump rally on July 13 with his wife and children. Two other spectators were seriously injured in the shooting.

Donald Trump’s Granddaughter, 17, Addresses Assassination Attempt at RNC

The former president’s eldest granddaughter, Kai Madison Trump, spoke onstage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 17.

After an introduction from her father, Donald Trump Jr., the 17-year-old said of the rally shooting, “On Saturday, I was shocked when I heard that he has been shot, and I just want to know if he was okay. It was heartbreaking that someone would do that to another person.”

Kai Madison's mom is Trump Jr.'s ex-wife Vanessa, who was also in attendance on Wednesday.

Rudy Giuliani's Spokesperson Says Ex-Mayor 'Appreciates Everyone's Concern' After Falling at RNC

After former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani took a tumble on the RNC floor on Tuesday evening, his spokesperson cautioned not to question his "stamina or abilities."

“Mayor Rudy Giuliani appreciates everyone’s concern after tripping over a dip in the walkway on the convention floor of the convention," spokesperson Ted Goodman told PEOPLE in a statement on Wednesday afternoon. "The mayor and I were both filming footage for his social media and livestream programs on the floor of the convention, when he turned to set some equipment on a chair and tripped over a dip between the walkway and chairs."

Social media posts about the fall quickly spread across the internet on Tuesday night, with several accusing Giuliani of being intoxicated.

"Those falsely suggesting anything else are misleading the public for their own agendas," Goodman asserted in his statement. "Anyone who wants to question Mayor Giuliani’s stamina or abilities should check out the half dozen interviews he had just completed before coming over to the convention floor, including a longform interview with Dan Bongino."

Giuliani served on Trump's legal team after the 2020 election and was integral in challenging battleground states' final vote counts. He has since been indicted on election subversion charges and subject to civil litigation over false election claims. As a result, he was recently disbarred in New York and has been recommended for disbarment in Washington, D.C.

Wednesday's Speaker Lineup Headlined by J.D. Vance, His Wife and Don Jr.

The penultimate evening session of the 2024 Republican National Convention will see several politicians and so-called "everyday Americans" take the stage on Wednesday, ending with remarks by former first son Donald Trump Jr., second lady hopeful Usha Chilukuri Vance, and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance.

Here's the speaker lineup:

6-6:30 p.m. CT: Florida Rep. Brian Mast, South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson, former Acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, former Vatican Ambassador Callista Gingrich

6:30-7 p.m. CT: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former trade adviser Peter Navarro, Texas Rep. Monica De La Cruz, former Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan, Arizona businessman David Lara, Arizona cattle rancher Jim Chilton

7-7:30 p.m. CT: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, petroleum engineer Sarah Philips, East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway

7:30-8 p.m. CT: Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, retired Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia, retired special forces veteran Scott Neil, Kimberly Guilfoyle

8-8:30 p.m. CT: Florida Rep. Michael Waltz, Gold Star mother Christy Shamblin, Gold Star aunt Cheryl Juels, Gold Star parents Herman & Alicia Lopez, Jewish Harvard grad Shabbos Kestenbaum

8:30-9 p.m. CT: "Everyday Americans" in the Neutra family, retired Army Sgt. William Pekrul

9-9:30 p.m. CT: Donald J. Trump, Jr., Usha Chilukuri Vance

9:30-10 p.m. CT: Vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance

Eric Trump Says Melania and Ivanka Are Coming to RNC 'in Full Force'

During an interview with CBS Mornings, Eric Trump said that his stepmother, Melania, and sister, Ivanka, will both make appearances at the Republican National Convention. The two Trump women have kept a distance from the 2024 campaign trail and were not listed as speakers at the convention this year.

"They're coming in," Eric told CBS' Tony Dokoupil. "And they're coming in full force and effect, so, they'll certainly be here."

Eric did not specify whether they would be present at Wednesday's events, or if they plan to wait until the grand finale on Thursday night to join the family.

Convicted Trump Adviser Peter Navarro Is Reportedly RNC-Bound After Prison Release

Trump's former trade adviser Peter Navarro was released from a Miami prison on Wednesday, July 17, and is expected to head straight to Milwaukee to address the Republican National Convention.

Navarro — who directed the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy under then-President Trump — was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress in September for defying the Jan. 6 House committee. He was later sentenced to serve four months in a federal prison and pay $9,500 in fines.

Navarro also helped author Project 2025, a sweeping, far-right manifesto for how Trump should transform the federal government if he's elected to a second term.

Lara Trump, Eric Trump's Wife, Speaks About the Assassination Attempt's Effect on Her Family

Lara Trump, Donald Trump's daughter-in-law (who is also the co-chair of the Republican National Committee), opened her speech by reflecting on the Saturday rally at which a gunman shot at Trump as he gave a speech.

"Nothing prepares you for a moment like that, when someone tries to kill someone you love," she said of her father-in-law. "When you take the remote and turn your kids away from seeing someone try to hurt their grandpa."

Her husband Eric Trump clapped from the box.

"There's no doubt that Saturday was one of the frightening moments of my father-in-law's life," she later said, saying he was "millimeters from death" before praising him for pumping his fist on his way off the podium.

Nikki Haley, Former Presidential Opponent Who Called Trump 'Unhinged' and 'Diminished,' Delivers Supportive Speech

"President Trump asked me to speak to this convention in the name of unity," Nikki Haley began her speech. This was a nod to the fact that, while on the campaign trail for the presidential election, she criticized him as mentally unfit for the job, even telling The Wall Street Journal that Trump becoming the party's nominee “is like suicide for our country.”

Though she said she did not agree with Trump on every point, he had her "strong endorsement, period" in the name of having a "unified Republican party."

Donald Trump Arrives, Joins J.D. Vance in the Box

Still wearing a bandage on his ear after the assassination attempt he experienced on Saturday, Donald Trump arrived to a long standing ovation in the arena.

He joined vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, who had shaken hands with Trump children, including Eric and Tiffany, upon arriving in the box. (In addition to supporting their father, Eric, Tiffany and their brother Don Jr. were there as delegates from Florida.)

Also joining them in the box were Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Elise Stefanik, Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Savannah Chrisley Speaks to Attack the Justice System

Chrisley Knows Best star Savannah Chrisley, whose parents Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted in 2023 of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States (Julie's sentence was recently thrown out and a resentencing was ordered), used her platform at the RNC to air grievances against the justice system.

"72600019 and 72601019, these may be just numbers to you, but to me, they're my whole heart," she said. "These numbers are my parents' identification numbers in our federal prison system."

The reality star declared that the United States has a "two-faced justice system" and that her family was attacked by "rogue prosecutors," and put her support behind Trump.

"Donald J. Trump has only one conviction that matters, and that is his conviction to make America great again," she said, a reference to Trump's 34 recent felony convictions for falsifying business records, making him the first president to be convicted of any felony.

Day 2 Schedule

The RNC's main session on Tuesday night will bring a full roster to the Fiserv Forum stage, including former presidential candidates Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy and Perry Johnson. Speeches will be broadcast on most news networks throughout the evening.

Tuesday's theme is "Make America Safe Once Again."

5-5:30 p.m. CT: Convention organizer Anne Hathaway, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee

5:30-6 p.m. CT: National Federation of Republican Women President Julie Harris, Young Republicans Chairman Hayden Padget, Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks, Host Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, Potawatomi Nation Chair James Crawford

6-6:30 p.m. CT: Businessman Perry Johnson, Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, Wisconsin Senate candidate Eric Hovde, Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, former Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers, Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick

6:30-7 p.m. CT: Indiana Senate candidate Jim Banks, West Virginia Senate candidate Jim Justice, Nevada Senate candidate Sam Brown, Montana Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, Virginia Senate candidate Hung Cao, Florida Sen. Rick Scott

7-7:30 p.m. CT: New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew, House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Speaker Mike Johnson

7:30-8 p.m. CT: Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, reality TV star Savannah Chrisley, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson

8-8:30 p.m. CT: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, retired law enforcement officer Randy Sutton, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

8:30-9 p.m. CT: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt, Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, "everyday American" Michael Coyle, Pittsburgh resident Erin Koper

9-9:30 p.m. CT: "Everyday American" Anne Fundner, family of murder victim Rachel Morin, criminal justice reform advocate Madeline Brame, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former HUD Secretary Ben Carson

9:30-10 p.m. CT: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump

Republicans Solidify Their 2024 Ticket

The Republican National Convention kicked off on Monday, July 15, with a flurry of headlines from Trump world: his federal classified documents case got dismissed, his security was heightened in the wake of Saturday's attempted assassination, and he became one of only a handful of people in U.S. history to earn his third major party presidential nomination after a delegate roll call vote.

By far the biggest takeaway from day one, though, was the announcement that first-term Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance would join Trump on the Republican White House ticket, ending a months-long running mate audition that saw several of Trump's closest allies flex their loyalty on the campaign trail.

Vance — who has veered into far-right politics since launching his first political campaign a few years back — beat out a handful of other rumored finalists, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

After Vance was introduced on the convention floor alongside his wife, Usha, on Monday afternoon, he made a joint appearance with Trump — the former president's first public sighting since his ear was grazed during the shooting at his campaign rally.