Here are the RNC moments that had people talking
Dancing, pomp and celebration and a star-studded line up of speakers headlined an eventful four days that culminated in former President Trump formally accepting the GOP’s nomination for president.
Here are some of the most memorable moments from the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Trump tells the story of the shooting
Trump recounted the story of Saturday’s attempt on his life for the first time since the shooting and the audience appeared rapt.
There was silence on the floor as Trump began to recall the event and some delegates had tears in their eyes as he spoke.
“So many people have asked me: ‘What happened? Tell us what happened, please,’” Trump said. “And therefore, I will tell you exactly what happened, and you’ll never hear it from me a second time because it’s actually too painful to tell.”
At one point, an image was projected behind the former president that showed him speaking at the rally on Saturday and a bullet mid-air.
“Bullets were flying over us, yet I felt serene,” he said during the speech on Thursday night, adding, “I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of Almighty God.”
There were huge cheers as the image of Trump, with blood on his face and his fist in the air, was shown on the screen.
Trump also spoke about Corey Comperatore, who was slain at the rally. At one point the former president kissed Comperatore’s fireman helmet, which was displayed on stage along with his jacket.
“What a fine man he was,” Trump said.
Vance gets his moment
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) made his debut as Trump’s new running mate — and had the biggest political stage of his career.
He used it to share his upbringing as a child in Middletown, Ohio, and his journey to becoming a member of the Senate.
“Never in my wildest imagination would I have believed that I could be standing here tonight,” he said at the top of the speech, before going on to describe his hometown as “a place that had been cast aside and forgotten by America’s ruling class in Washington.”
Vance, author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” sought to use his personal story to paint President Biden as one of the “out-of-touch politicians in Washington” whose policies he said hurt his community.
He was introduced by his wife Usha Vance, who shared personal stories of their life and their marriage.
“My fellow Americans, this moment is not about me, it’s about all of us, and who we’re fighting for,” he said. “It’s about the auto worker in Michigan, wondering why out of touch politicians are destroying your jobs.”
“It’s about the energy worker in Pennsylvania and Ohio, who doesn’t understand why Joe Biden is willing to buy energy from tinpot dictators but not hard-working Americans right here at home.”
The Vances were also in the first row of the Trump suite throughout the convention alongside former first lady Melania Trump, his children and grandchildren.
Trump said he’s “thrilled” to have a new partner by his side. He said Vance will be a “great” vice president. He improvised that he and his wife, Usha, were “great” students and told Vance that he should “enjoy the ride.”
Attendees wear bandages in solidarity with Trump
The president’s supporters have been seen donning bandages on their ears in solidarity with Trump over the past few days.
Joe Neglia, an Arizona delegate that had been one of the earliest attendees seen sporting the look, described the accessory as “the newest fashion trend” in remarks to CBS News earlier this week.
“Everybody in the world is going to be wearing these pretty soon,” he said. .
He was at least partially right. More and more attendees joined the trend as the week progressed, drawing widespread attention.
From similar white paper taped to their right ears to ones emblazoned with the American flag, the ear coverings kept popping up.
Crowd goes wild for Hulk Hogan
Former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan dramatically tore his shirt off while speaking to the crowd, calling for “Trumpamania,” a play on “Hulkamania.”
“When they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough, and I said let Trumpamania run wild, brother” he said to thunderous applause from those in attendance.
He was a crowd favorite, getting one of the loudest and most enthusiastic responses of any speaker.
The former professional wrestler, whose legal name is Terry Bollea, first emerged as his Hulk Hogan persona that he used while competing in the ring. A “USA” chant broke out immediately when he first came to the podium, and the chant returned again later in his speech.
“When I came here tonight, there was so much energy in this room, I thought maybe I was in Madison Square Garden getting ready to win another title,” he said.
Melania makes a rare appearance
Former first lady Melania Trump also appeared at the convention on Thursday – the only day she was seen in Milwaukee.
During his speech, the former president thanked his wife for what he described as her “beautiful letter to America calling for national unity.”
“It captivated so many,” he said before also thanking “entire family,” including, “Don and Kimberly, Ivanka and Jared, Eric and Lara, Tiffany and Michael, Barron,” and ten grandchildren.
Melania Trump, donning a red double-breasted suit jacket and skirt, sat in a suite overlooking the convention floor with her stepchildren.
She later joined Trump onstage where they held hands, where she appeared to tell the former president “Good job.”
Gaetz taunts McCarthy
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) had one of the most viral moments of the convention, when he taunted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on the floor of the arena.
Gaetz, who successfully led an effort to oust McCarthy from the top spot last year, interrupted the former Speaker during an interview on the convention floor and told him he would be “booed off the stage” at the RNC if he spoke.
In response, McCarthy told The Hill Gaetz “seemed really unhinged.”
“You know, I don’t know what he was on, but I hope he gets the help that he needs,” he said. “But more importantly, I hope the girls get the justice they deserve.”
Multiple Republicans have taken aim at Gaetz over the episode, with Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) calling on the Florida congressman to “show more maturity.”
“That’s just inappropriate,” Thomspon told The Hill on the convention floor. “He needs to conduct himself with some dignity that reflects the House of Representatives.”
Updated at 5:17 a.m. EDT
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