Here are some highlights from Trump‘s speech formally accepting his party’s presidential nomination:
Trump couldn’t resist ripping into Democratic rivals or going off-script
Despite assurances he would strike a more subdued tone than usual, Trump maintained the grandstanding presence he’s been known for since his first run in 2015, promptly diverting from prepared remarks distributed to reporters earlier in the evening.
He wasn’t supposed to mention rival President Joe Biden by name, but did so late in the address. He noted “the damage that Biden has done” and claimed his successor was the worst president in history.
Trump went into detail about assassination attempt
After four days of suspense, Trump, still bandaged after a would-be assassin’s bullet grazed his right ear during a campaign stop, opened by recounting the near-death experience.
He assured the crowd he would tell them “exactly what happened” but swore he would “never” repeat it publicly because the story is “too painful to tell.”
The event was like a rock concert – or a wrestling match
Pulsating music, flashing lights and celebrity appearances delivered a high-energy, testosterone-fueled build-up to the keynote address from Trump.
Thursday’s lineup included celebrity appearances from “American Bad A‑‑” Kid Rock, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and fight promoter Dana White, who introduced his long-time friend Trump. Country singer Lee Greenwood, a Trump supporter and friend, sang “God Bless the USA” as the former president took the stage.
Melania and Ivanka make rare campaign appearances
The evening concluded with the return of two prominent figures who’ve been missing from the campaign trail: Former first lady Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump, the former president’s daughter and onetime senior adviser.
Neither spoke during the convention.
What’s next: Trump and running mate JD Vance will head to Grand Rapids, Mich., for their first joint campaign rally on Saturday – the first rally for Trump since the assassination attempt a week prior.
