RNC 2024 Day 2: Trump feted by former rivals Haley, DeSantis in show of GOP unity

Trump, with a bandage on his ear, made an appearance again Tuesday evening

WABC logo
Last updated: Wednesday, July 17, 2024 10:00AM GMT
RNC 2024 Day 2: Trump feted by former rivals Haley, DeSantis
Former President Trump's political rivals came together in a show of unity Tuesday.

MILWAUKEE -- The second day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee ended Tuesday with appearances from some of former President Donald Trump's former rivals: former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy -- all calling for Republican Party unity.

They were joined by some of Trump's longest allies including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Ben Carson in bashing the Democrats over what they claimed were harmful and failed policies.

The program focused on law and order with a theme of making the country "safe again."

Trump, with a bandage on his ear, made an appearance again Tuesday evening -- just days after he was wounded in an assassination attempt at one of his rallies in Pennsylvania over the weekend. Several speakers said God spared Trump in the shooting, saving him for a divine plan for the presidency.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Jul 16, 2024, 2:34 AM GMT

Trump arrives with bandage on ear

Former President Donald Trump has arrived at the convention with a bandage on his ear.

The crowd cheered when he was shown on the jumbotron during a musical interlude. This is his first public appearance since the attempted assassination on Saturday at his rally.

Former President Donald Trump makes his first appearance since the attempted assassination at a rally in Pennsylvania.

The cheers for Trump as he arrived were the loudest of the night.

Convention attendees are singing along to the song as he makes his way through the floor.

Trump pumped his fist -- in what appears to be a call-back to the "fight, fight, fight" fist pump after the failed assassination attempt -- before shaking hands with his running mate, J.D. Vance.

He could be seen mouthing "thank you" and waving to the crowd.

Trump had a more quiet, subdued demeanor during his appearance.

ABCNews logo
Jul 16, 2024, 12:13 AM GMT

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: 'Evil came' for Trump

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said the RNC comes at a "somber moment," two days after the assassination attempt against Trump.

"Two days ago, evil came for the man we admire and love so much," she said. "I thank God that His hand was on President Trump."

She said she prays for the family of Corey Comperatore, who was killed at the rally.

"Corey embodied the spirit of America. First, he displayed the ultimate show of love when he shielded his wife and daughter, sacrificing his own life," she said. "He reminded America of what we must be -- a people who will do whatever it takes to defend the people and the nation that we love."

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-GA., geturing. before addressing the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-GA., geturing. before addressing the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.

In turning her remarks toward the Biden administration, Greene said the Democrats have "ripped open our borders" and driven up housing costs and health care "while slashing American wages and eliminating jobs."

"They claim that our economy is thriving, yet hundreds of thousands of American-born workers lost their jobs these past few years," she said.

ABCNews logo
Jul 16, 2024, 12:00 AM GMT

RNC chair: 'We must unite as a nation'

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley opened his remarks with a call for unity in the wake of the "horrifying assassination attempt" against Trump.

"We are praying for President Trump. We are praying for the injured. We are praying for the family of Corey Comperatore," Whatley said. "We must unite as a party and we must unite as a nation. We must show the same strength and resilience as President Trump and lead this nation to a greater future world."

ABCNews logo
Jul 15, 2024, 11:20 PM GMT

RNC called to order: theme is Make America Wealthy Again

RNC Chair Michael Whatley has called the convention to order for the second official session.

The theme of the evening is Make America Wealthy Again, where speakers are expected to discuss inflation, increased interest rates, gas prices and housing costs.

New York delegates attend the first day of the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.
New York delegates attend the first day of the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.