Trump’s Record-Breaking Nomination Speech: Highlights
(AFP, Milwaukee, 18th) Donald Trump delivered a nomination speech lasting approximately 92 minutes, setting a record for the longest such speech in contemporary American history. He thanked retired wrestling star Hulk Hogan for his support, who had dramatically ripped off his clothing onstage to show his enthusiasm for Trump.
Here are five highlights of Trump’s speech:
Fight, Fight!
Before Trump took the stage, his son Eric led the audience in chanting "Fight, fight!", referencing Trump’s recent shooting incident in Pennsylvania. Trump himself punctuated his remarks with several shouts of "fight!" UFC Chairman Dana White, a close friend of Trump, introduced him. Prior to Trump’s speech, Hulk Hogan, a legendary wrestler of the 1980s, declared Trump "a real American hero." He even removed his suit jacket and tore his black vest to reveal a red vest emblazoned with support for Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance, electrifying the audience.
Thank You, Tribute, and Kiss of Love
Trump acknowledged Hogan’s vest-ripping display with a smile, applause, and a kiss blown towards him. Trump honored Corey Comperatore, who was shot while shielding his family from the gunman in Pennsylvania, with a kiss of his helmet. Trump’s wife, Melania, joined him on stage at the end of his speech, and he kissed her on the cheek.
The Chosen One Escaped Assassination
Trump, who is not known for his religious devotion, attributed his survival to God’s grace. “It is only by the grace of Almighty God that I am standing here before you,” he said. Many Trump supporters saw the assassination attempt as a sign that he is a chosen one. Evangelist Franklin Graham, whose father Billy Graham served as a presidential advisor, was among the speakers who introduced Trump.
Avoiding Biden, But Still Criticizing
Trump’s campaign team had initially stated he would not mention President Joe Biden in his speech. They aimed to portray Trump as unstoppable and Biden as struggling. However, Trump claimed that Biden’s "damage" was more significant than the combined "damage" of the "10 worst presidents in American history." Despite this, Trump stated he would only mention Biden once, adding, "I will not mention the name once more." Neither Trump nor any of the other speakers wished Biden, who had contracted COVID-19, a speedy recovery.
Trump’s True Colors
While Trump initially sought unity by emphasizing his survival experience in the first 15 minutes of his speech, he quickly returned to his usual style. He launched repeated attacks on Nancy Pelosi, calling her "crazy." He also labeled immigrants as "lunatics" and "dangerous criminals" who had "invaded" the United States. He went on to assert that he was robbed of victory in the 2020 election.
Trump’s Nomination Speech: A Recap of the Highlights
Former US President Donald Trump’s final speech became the climax of the Republican National Convention (RNC). The speech, which lasted for a record-breaking 92 minutes, was filled with theatrics and controversy, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.
Fight, Fight!
The energy in the room was palpable as Eric Trump led the crowd in chanting “Fight, fight!” It was a tribute to his father, who had been shot and wounded at a rally in Pennsylvania just days prior. When Donald Trump took the stage, he shook his fist at the crowd and repeated the word “fight” several times, emphasizing the theme of resilience and determination that permeated his speech. Adding to the combative atmosphere, Trump’s introduction was given by Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a popular mixed martial arts organization known for its violent and often bloody matches.
The theatrics reached a new level when Hulk Hogan, a legendary American professional wrestler from the 1980s, took the stage. Hogan, a vocal supporter of Trump, delivered a passionate speech, calling Trump a “real American hero.” To further demonstrate his support, Hogan dramatically ripped off his suit jacket and black vest, revealing a bright red T-shirt underneath, emblazoned with a message of support for Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance. This bold gesture sparked a wave of excitement in the crowd, setting the stage for Trump’s speech.
Thank You, Tribute, and Kiss of Love
Trump warmly acknowledged Hogan’s display of support, smiling at him and blowing him a kiss before launching into his nomination address. Trump then went on to pay tribute to Corey Comperatore, a man who had been shot and killed while protecting his family at the rally in Pennsylvania. Trump, visibly moved, kissed Comperatore’s helmet, a gesture that conveyed both grief and gratitude. The speech culminated with Trump’s wife, Melania Trump, joining him on stage. Holding her hand, Trump kissed her cheek, a moment that showcased the personal side of the often controversial figure.
The Chosen One Who Escaped Assassination
Despite his reputation for being less than devout, Trump attributed his narrow escape from assassination to “the grace of Almighty God.” This statement resonated with many of his supporters, who saw the assassination attempt as a sign of Trump’s divine destiny. Speaking before Trump, evangelist Franklin Graham, whose father, Billy Graham, was a renowned evangelist and advisor to numerous U.S. presidents, delivered a passionate message, adding to the religious undertones of the night.
Trump’s Nomination Speech: A Look at the Highlights
| Highlight | Description |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————————————-|
| Fight, Fight! | The crowd’s chants, led by Eric Trump, reflected Trump’s resilience following the Pennsylvania incident. |
| Hulk Hogan’s Support | Hogan’s dramatic gesture, tearing off his vest to reveal a pro-Trump T-shirt, electrified the crowd. |
| Tribute to Corey Comperatore | Trump’s emotionally charged tribute and kiss of Comperatore’s helmet showcased his empathy and gratitude. |
| Trump’s Escape from Assassination | Trump attributed his survival to God’s grace, a message that resonated with many Christian supporters. |
Avoid Talking but Don’t Forget to Criticize Biden
Trump’s aides had initially stated that he would avoid mentioning President Joe Biden in his speech. However, Trump deviated from this plan, stating that the “damage caused by Biden” surpassed “the 10 worst presidents in American history” combined. Despite this biting critique, Trump only mentioned Biden’s name once, declaring “I will not mention the name once more” and choosing to focus more on his own accomplishments. It’s noteworthy that neither Trump nor any of the other speakers wished Biden, who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, a speedy recovery.
Trump Still Shows His True Colors
While Trump’s speech began with a pledge to be president for “all Americans”, his focus quickly shifted toward a barrage of criticism once morest his opponents. Trump launched into attacks on former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, labelling her as “crazy.” He also made claims regarding immigrants composed of “lunatics and dangerous criminals” who had “invaded” the United States, and he reiterated his belief that the 2020 presidential election victory had been stolen from him.
Trump’s nomination speech was a carefully orchestrated performance, designed to appeal to his base while maintaining an outward image of strength and determination. It was a night filled with spectacle, emotion, and controversy, reaffirming Trump’s status as a divisive figure in American politics.
