Before taking a seat next to his newly- anointed running mate, Ohio senator JD Vance, Mr Trump basked in the adulation of the 2,500-strong crowd, which chanted “Fight! Fight! Fight!” and pumped their fists, evoking his own response after he was grazed by a bullet on Saturday in Pennsylvania.
The former president, 78, was accompanied by an unusually large Secret Service escort, even though all the delegates would have passed through smothering security checks.
It was another reminder of how the assassination attempt has upended the 2024 presidential race, with the beleaguered President Joe Biden thrown further onto the defensive.
The unscheduled appearance came after Mr Trump was confirmed as the Republican nominee in a celebratory roll call of state delegates at the convention. As he entered the Fiserv Forum, he was heralded by musician Lee Greenwood, who sang “God bless the USA” before exclaiming: “Is there any doubt who’s going to be the next president of the United States? Prayer works.” The former president claims that divine intervention saved him in Pennsylvania and will also help save America on November 5.
This story is from the July 16, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 16, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.
