MILWAUKEE — Immigration is taking center stage as the Republican National Convention continues Tuesday, with speakers highlighting a key aspect of former President Donald Trump’s political identity that resonated with the GOP base since his first campaign in 2015.
Immigration has been a prominent issue for Trump, who has frequently criticized an increase in migrants entering the U.S. illegally through the Mexico border, although this trend has recently slowed with the suspension of border asylum. At various rallies, Trump has cited instances of crimes committed by migrants and linked migration to the trafficking of drugs like fentanyl. His rhetoric has included unsubstantiated claims that migrants are entering the country to vote in the 2024 election.
The atmosphere at the Milwaukee convention is one of joy and gratitude for Trump’s presence following an attempted assassination at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday. Trump, with his ear bandaged from the incident, received cheers during Monday night’s session.
Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, his newly announced running mate, are expected to appear at the convention every night, as indicated by two people familiar with the schedule. On Monday night, Trump made his first public appearance since the attack, sitting with Vance. Vance is set to deliver a speech Wednesday night, with Trump headlining Thursday night’s closing session.
Key points to consider about the 2024 Election:
American democracy has faced significant challenges since 2020 and more are anticipated in 2024. The Associated Press is regarded as the most trusted source of information on election night, with a legacy of accuracy since 1848.
Tuesday’s program features several Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate in critical races this fall, including Bernie Moreno from Ohio, Sam Brown from Nevada, and Tim Sheehy from Pennsylvania. Additionally, some of Trump’s strongest primary opponents will speak, including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. A senior Trump campaign adviser suggested Haley’s appearance signifies the mending of divides within the party after a tough primary season.
Trump’s appearance on Monday night, greeted with enthusiastic cheers, underscored the crowd’s deep affection for the candidate who won the 2016 nomination as an outsider but has since consolidated support across the party.
“We must unite as a party, and we must unite as a nation,” said Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley, as he commenced Monday’s prime-time session. “We must demonstrate the same strength and resilience as President Trump and lead this nation toward a greater future.”
Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Tabas expressed hope that the assassination attempt would change the national tone, starting with Trump’s speech on Thursday. Trump seemed ready to deliver a more restrained message, with his son, Donald Trump Jr., having spent hours reviewing the speech to moderate its rhetoric.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called for a return to civil discourse, emphasizing the need to avoid demonizing individuals regardless of political affiliation. Despite calls for unity within the party, many Republicans clarified that this did not extend to finding common ground with President Joe Biden and the Democrats.
“Their policies are a clear and present danger to America, to our institutions, our values, and our people,” said Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson.
Pennsylvania delegate John Fredericks summed up his views on immigration simply: “Close the border. If you’re here illegally, get them out – now. That’s all I’m interested in. Get them out.”
Trump’s campaign has designed the convention to present a softer and more optimistic message, aiming to broaden Trump’s appeal among moderate voters and people of color. Lara Trump urged Pennsylvania delegates to vote early, signaling a shift in the party’s stance from previous skepticism about early and absentee voting.
On Monday, a session focused on the economy featured speakers described as “everyday Americans” by the Trump campaign, including a single mother discussing inflation, a union member who previously identified as a lifelong Democrat now supporting Trump, and a small business owner, among others.
The Republican National Convention continues in Milwaukee, focusing on key issues including immigration.