Trump’s Rivals Endorse His Candidacy Amid Party Unity
Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis Rally Support
Former Republican presidential candidates Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis endorsed Donald Trump’s candidacy at the party’s convention, showing unity just days after an assassination attempt on Trump.
Haley, who previously criticized Trump, urged her supporters to vote for him over President Joe Biden. “You don’t have to agree with Trump 100% of the time to vote for him,” Haley said, addressing a mix of cheers and boos.
DeSantis, the Florida governor, received a warm welcome as he criticized Biden, suggesting the president is too old for the job.
Assassination Attempt and Party Unity
With his right ear bandaged after the assassination attempt, Trump watched from his box in the arena alongside running mate Senator J.D. Vance. Vance, once a critic of Trump, has become a staunch supporter and will headline the convention’s third night.
This unity contrasts with the Democrats, who are dealing with internal tensions over Biden’s reelection bid after a lackluster debate performance against Trump.
Law and Order Theme
Speeches in Milwaukee focused on law and order, featuring strong anti-immigrant rhetoric and criticism of Biden’s border policies. Kari Lake, Bernie Moreno, Senators Ted Cruz, and Tom Cotton referred to the flow of migrants as an “invasion.”
While border crossings hit record highs during Biden’s tenure, arrests dropped in June after he implemented a broad asylum ban. Anne Fundner, whose teenage son died from fentanyl poisoning, blamed Democrats, while the family of Rachel Morin, allegedly murdered by a Salvadoran immigrant, criticized Biden’s policies.
Trump, who has frequently demonized migrants, pledged to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. Despite this, Lara Trump closed the night calling for unity, reminding Americans “there is more that unites us than divides us.”
Biden’s Response
In his first speech since the assassination attempt, Biden told Black voters in Las Vegas he was committed to reelection, dismissing calls to step aside.
The convention will culminate with Trump’s prime-time address on Thursday, where he will formally accept the nomination to face Biden in a 2020 rematch.