The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee was filled with jubilation on Monday as former President Donald Trump was officially nominated, just days after a failed assassination attempt. The night’s theme, “Make America Wealthy Once Again,” took a backseat to Trump’s announcement of his vice presidential pick, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, and the excitement surrounding his appearance at the Fiserv Forum.
Trump’s entrance electrified the crowd, with a video clip of his arrival followed by his triumphant fist pump and handshake with allies, children, and Vance. The crowd gave him a standing ovation and chanted “USA! USA! USA!” and “We want Trump! We Want Trump!” Trump did not address the crowd, but his speech will come later this week.
Before joining Trump’s ticket, Vance was best known for writing Hillbilly Elegy and winning the Ohio Senate seat. Trump praised Vance’s “tremendous talents” and declared him the best candidate to assume the position of Vice President of the United States.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent Republican, praised Vance, saying he is an “original thinker” and Trump-Vance is the most formidable presidential ticket he has seen in his lifetime. Delegates on the convention floor repeatedly broke out in chants of “J.D.! J.D.! J.D!” as he was officially nominated.
In a video message that aired before he appeared onstage, Trump urged attendees to vote early to “swamp” Democrats and “evict” President Joe Biden. He also implored the crowd to ensure his reelection in November.
The convention also marked a major legal victory for Trump, as a federal judge dismissed the special counsel’s case against him over his handling of classified documents. This came on the heels of the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump had some immunity from prosecution.
Many Republican delegates celebrated the dismissal, calling it a victory for the former president and a blow to the “deep state.” The convention’s traditional in-person format was a welcome change after the pandemic forced virtual events in 2020. The crowd was festive, with attendees dressed in Americana outfits and Trump-themed ornaments. As the convention continued, the crowd chanted “Trump! Trump! Trump!” and “USA! USA! USA!”
