It’s the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention — and it’s going to be a big one.
Former president Donald Trump will be making his long-awaited speech Thursday night after being officially nominated as the GOP presidential candidate in the November election against President Joe Biden.
It comes just days after he was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally Saturday in Pennsylvania.
The Journal Sentinel is providing live coverage, so you can follow along here for updates throughout the day. Be sure to refresh your browser often for the latest info.
Watch Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s RNC livestream of Thursday night’s session including Donald Trump’s speech
Trump accepts GOP nomination
Donald Trump formally accepted the Republican presidential nomination Thursday, on the final day of the GOP convention.
“I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America,” Trump said in the beginning of his acceptance speech.
Unity was a leading theme in Trump’s address, rewritten in the wake of the assassination attempt against him over the weekend.
— Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY
(9:39 p.m.)
Trump will thank ‘extraordinary people of Milwaukee’ in speech
In his acceptance speech tonight, former President Donald Trump will give Milwaukee and Wisconsin a shout-out.
Trump will thank “the extraordinary people of Milwaukee and the great state of Wisconsin for hosting this outstanding convention,” according to excerpts of his remarks.
“We will Make Wisconsin Great Again, I promise,” another excerpt reads.
Trump is looking to win back Wisconsin, a crucial battleground state, after losing it to President Joe Biden in 2020 and carrying Wisconsin in 2016.
~~Hope Karnopp
(9:19 p.m.)
Hulk-a-mania ran wild at the RNC
Hulk Hogan delivered a WWE-worthy style promo during the final night of the 2024 RNC in Milwaukee that had the crowd on its feet as he called Donald Trump his hero.
It was classic Hogan, the wrestling icon from the 1980s and 90s, and even delivered his famous tagline before ripping off his shirt to feature a Trump and JD Vance shirt.
“Let Trump-a-mania run wild brother, let Trump-a-mania roll again. Let Trump make America great again.”
Read more here.
~~Chris Kuhagen
(9:44 p.m.)
Melania Trump arrives at RNC
Former First Lady Melania Trump has arrived at the RNC.
It’s Melania’s first public appearance at the convention.
She took her spot with Trump’s family at 9:09 p.m. in the stands at Fiserv Forum ahead of her husband’s acceptance speech.
~~Chris Kuhagen
(9:13 p.m.)
Who’s sitting next to Donald Trump at the RNC? Jason Aldean, Eric Hovde and more
Former President Donald Trump was flanked by some notable names as he took his seat at Fiserv Forum to take in the final night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday night.
Among those sitting with Trump was Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde and country music star Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany Aldean.
Trump entered the arena well before he was scheduled to formally accept the nomination on the stage later Thursday night, taking a seat in a box above the stage.
Read more
~~Alison Dirr, Mary Spicuzza
(8:44 p.m.)
Democrats charter plane, buy billboards to remind Wisconsin voters about Republican abortion policies
The Democratic National Convention will spread its message Friday morning by plane, highlighting accomplishments by the Biden adminstration over his last several years in office.
The group chartered a plane to fly over Milwaukee, reading “Trump: Ban Abortion, Punish Women,” according to Addy Toevs, a spokesperson for the Biden-Harris campaign.
A set of 16 new billboards will also go live at 8 a.m., in preparation for the departing Republican delegates and convention attendees. They will highlight how the Biden administration worked to cap the price of insulin for those on Medicaid to $35, created 180,000 new jobs in Wisconsin, and provided student loan relief for thousands.
The billboards will be in both English and Spanish, and will be placed along major highways throughout the city.
The marketing is meant to show that Democrats are continuing to invest in Wisconsin, while Republicans “dine and dash,” Toevs said.
~~Laura Schulte
(8:38 p.m.)
RNC takedown underway
Communist group denounces Trump and Biden, attracts few spectators
In a demonstration that drew few spectators, a national communist organization called for a “revolution” to abolish the United States’ political and economic systems.
About a dozen people from the Chicago chapter of Revcom Corps demonstrated in Haymarket Square Park around 7 p.m. Thursday. They were the only group to show up to the north side protest zone that day, according to security staff.
Revcom Chicago spokesperson Leo Pargo lamented the lack of political activism at the RNC. The crowd of roughly 20 people were mostly reporters.
“Just to be frank, this protest zone is empty,” he said. “And it’s been empty all week. You know, this should be teeming with people who can’t stand what Republicans are doing, stripping away the right to abortion, the virulent support for police brutality that they have.”
Pargo said Revcom opposes Trump’s policies, but also Biden’s, including his handling of the Israel-Hamas war.
“The whole damn system has to go,” Pargo said. “We’re saying Trump, Biden — they’re not the only choices.”
The group ended the demonstration by burning an American flag.
— Kelly Meyerhofer and Quinn Clark
(8:28 p.m.)
Makers’ market celebrates ‘joyful rebellion’ against RNC
Two miles south of the RNC, Milwaukee residents trickled into The Cooperage Thursday evening for a market offering a break from the nonstop politics taking over downtown Milwaukee. More than a dozen local artists and business owners set up booths with their merchandise, while a DJ spun music for the attendees.
The free event was hosted by the Great MKE Block Party, which has curated over 50 events “in acts of joyful rebellion during the week of the RNC.”
Vendor Liz Koetting, who co-edits a queer-focused zine, said: “People in my community are stressed about people who vote against our rights coming into our city. It makes the city feel like not a safe space.”
Two attendees, cousins Kylie and Maureen McFadden, said they’ve been avoiding downtown and the RNC. They showed up to bring business to a part of town they love, knowing that most around the city aren’t getting the increased business promised by local officials.
They weaved between a number of vendor booths set up, including Alicia Clark’s booth, selling laser cut jewelry and sun catchers under Lux Candela Studio.
Clark said she plans to donate a portion of her proceeds to Street Angels, a local group that supports Milwaukee County’s unhoused population. The events of Tuesday — when five police officers from Ohio shot and killed a man living in a tent encampment near downtown — are fresh in her mind.
“Because the unhoused population has been so affected by the RNC in so many ways, between displacements and disconnection from resources, I thought they could use some extra help this week,” she said.
— Claudia Levens, Maia Pandey
(8:27 p.m.)
RNC take down is already underway as the sun sets over Milwaukee.
Vendors and food carts are packing up shop ahead of final speeches. The inner perimeter is mainly empty as delegates, guests and media pack into Fiserv Forum to hear Trump’s remarks tonight.
⁃ Rachel Hale
(8:20 p.m.)
Country star Jason Aldean is headlining a private RNC party in Milwaukee Thursday
The RNC will host its biggest music act yet as it plans to close out the convention with a performance by country star Jason Aldean at Potawatomi Casino Hotel.
Reince Priebus, chair of the RNC host committee, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Thursday that the singer would be performing at a party the committee is throwing after the RNC ends Thursday night.
Aldean and his wife Brittany have been spotted in the front row of Donald Trump’s VIP box.
Read more
~~Jordyn Noennig
(7:34 p.m.)
Billionaire Diane Hendricks tells RNC of her path to success’
Billionaire Wisconsin businesswoman Diane Hendricks told the crowd at Thursday’s Republican National Convention about her path from growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm to running the biggest roofing supply company in North America.
“I’m living proof the American dream is possible through hard work and determination,” she said to applause.
Hendricks is the co-founder of ABC Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of roofing supplies and a major distributor of siding and windows in North America. She started the Beloit-based company in 1982 with her husband, Ken, and has been the chairwoman and sole owner since his death in 2007.
“We risked everything we had to start that company. Today, ABC supply employs over 22,000 Americans,” she said.
Read more
~~Mary Spicuzza
(7:22 p.m.)
Donald Trump returns to the RNC for his big night
Donald Trump returned for the final night of the Republican National Convention in downtown Milwaukee. Trump arrived earlier than the other three nights, but tonight is a big night for him – he’s scheduled to deliver his speech accepting the Republican nomination for president. As with every night, he walked into a standing ovation, loud applause and cheers shortly after “Y.M.C.A.” blasted through Fiserv Forum.
~~Mary Spicuzza
(6:58 p.m.)
Transgender Milwaukeean wears U.S. Constitution to spark conversations outside RNC
Hannah Tahtinen, of Milwaukee, sparked conversations with passersby outside the RNC the way Tahtinen knows how – through performance art.
A giant replica of the U.S. Constitution hung across Tahtinen’s front. It was a way of making Tahtinen, a transgender, nonbinary person, more approachable, they said. In their hands, was a sign saying, “Which side are you on?”
“I think it helps disarm people who might think because of the way I present as a transgender, gender-nonconforming person, that I am the enemy,” Tahtinen said. “This (Constitution) is as much a document that protects me as anyone else, no matter what political affiliation you have.”
Tahtinen believes people have more in common than they might think and wanted to spark conversations and call attention to people’s cognitive dissonance, including around trans issues.
“If you don’t know a single trans person, it can seem like some ideology, some movement, some scary thing,” Tahtinen said. “I think Republicans are using that to their advantage, to use fear and the fear of the unknown, the fear of someone who may be a stranger to them, to drive people to the (ballot) boxes.”
Over three hours Thursday morning, Tahtinen said they drew a range of responses, some cold, some heartwarming. Some asked to take pictures with them.
— Gina Castro and Sarah Volpenhein
(6:27 p.m.)
Protesters meet with police outside Hyatt
After hearing from the family members of D’Vontaye Mitchell and Samuel “Jah” Sharpe, Jr., protesters at Red Arrow Park marched to the Hyatt hotel, where Mitchell was killed by security guards last month.
Protesters arrived around 6 p.m. to find dozens of officers from multiple agencies guarding the hotel. After pausing outside and chanting Mitchell’s name, the protesters headed back without any confrontations with police.Family members of Mitchell said they would keep protesting until seeing charges against the four guards who held down Mitchell with their knees on his back. Police referred four charges of felony murder in Mitchell’s death to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, which has not made a decision.“No one should be comfortable until some arrests and charges have been made,” said Latrisa Giles, Mitchell’s cousin.
Family members of Sharpe said police didn’t give enough time for Sharpe, who had multiple sclerosis, to turn around before shooting and killing him Tuesday. His sister, Angelique Sharpe, asked whether anyone would want police to intervene the way they did if their own family member was in such an altercation. “There’s no way you would want a situation to be escalated like that that did not have a gun,” she said.
– Rory Linnane, Genevieve Redsten
(6:14 p.m.)
Wisconsin delegation busts out Cheeseheads at RNC
The Cheeseheads were out in force for the final night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin delegation kicked off the convention wearing their Cheeseheads, the legendary Milwaukee-made foam headpieces. But they did take them off for the National Anthem, with at least one delegate holding his Cheesehead close to his heart.
The cheesehead was first worn by Ralph Bruno at a 1987 Milwaukee Brewers game. He used foam from inside his mother’s couch to cut it into a triangle, burned some holes into it and spray-painted it yellow.
In 2023, the Green Bay Packers acquired the company that now manufacturers the iconic hats, Foamation.
— Mary Spicuzza and Drake Bentley
(6:02 p.m.)
Usha Chilukuri Vance dined in the Tosa Village Wednesday, but typical business continues otherwise in west suburbs
Usha Chilukuri Vance, wife of GOP vice presidential candidate U.S. Sen. JD Vance, dined Wednesday afternoon at Le Rêve Patisserie & Café, bar manager Chris Paape told a Journal Sentinel reporter. Secret service scoped out the restaurant ahead of her visit, he said.
While a waitress who served Chilukuri Vance declined to share what dish the vice presidential candidate’s wife chose for lunch, Paape said secret service did not order any food themselves.
Lion’s Tail Brewing Company, 8520 W. North Ave., was packed Monday and Tuesday nights, but quiet Wednesday, two employees told a Journal Sentinel reporter.
Discover Wauwatosa partnered with the hotels in the community to put together welcome gifts to place in guest rooms for their arrivals, said Beth Gleesing, tourism specialist for the City of Wauwatosa.
Two employees at hotel Twenty-Three03, formerly the Radisson Hotel, said they were in from Florida to staff the hotel that is hosting Alabama delegates. The hotel and the adjacent Jimmy’s Island Grill and Iguana Bar closed months ago, but reopened to host around 150 convention guests before it will shut down permanently, multiple sources told the Journal Sentinel.
In Brookfield, the Utah Delegation planned for lunch at WhirlyBall Brookfield Thursday afternoon.
~~Bridget Fogarty
(6:12 p.m.)
Here’s how to watch Trump’s speech at RNC tonight
Tonight is the final and much anticipated night of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The main event, of course, will be former president Donald Trump, who will deliver a speech for the first time since Saturday’s assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. He’ll accept the nomination as the Republican candidate for president.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m. Thursday’s theme is “Make America Great Once Again,.”
Here’s how you can watch Thursday’s RNC coverage and who will deliver speeches.
Read more
— Caitlin Looby
(5:53 p.m.)
Does Trump still think Milwaukee is a ‘horrible city’? The Riverside Theater asks the question
It’s the fourth and final day of the Republican National Convention, and that means one of Milwaukee’s historic landmarks has one last message for visiting Republican delegates.
This week, the Riverside Theater marquee has become known for it’s quippy − yet informative − messages spotlighting why the Cream City is so great.
Thursday’s message from the Pabst Theater Group read: “So, Milwaukee… Not so horrible, eh?”
Read more
~~Caitlin Looby
(5:49 p.m.)
When is Trump speaking at the RNC tonight?
On the heels of an assassination attempt against Trump, the announcement of his vice president pick and a packed week at the Republican National Convention, many are awaiting Trump’s speech Thursday night at Fiserv Forum to wrap up the fourth and final day of the convention in Milwaukee.
Here’s what we know about Trump’s speech accepting the Republican nomination for president:
Read more
— Claudia Levens
(5:25 p.m.)
Former Gov. Tommy Thompson also wants to see Trump rally in Milwaukee or Madison
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson said he wants to see former President Donald Trump hold a rally in Milwaukee or Madison this year — or his hometown of Elroy, he joked.
One of the four principles he tells candidates is that they should campaign in Madison and Milwaukee. “Republicans don’t do that,” Thompson said.
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson told the Journal Sentinel earlier Thursday afternoon he’d like to see Trump hold a rally in Milwaukee.
Thompson said he’s “never seen the party this united” in his 60 years of being a Republican, and he’s never seen Democrats “so unorganized and disjointed as they are today.”
“Democrats cannot win the presidency, and I think we’re going to carry Wisconsin,” he said.
~~Hope Karnopp
(5:15 p.m.)
Host Committee Chairman Reince Priebus on businesses
For months the MKE 2024 Host Committee hyped how the convention was going to be good for the city and local businesses. But when the convention arrived some businesses were hoping for more of an impact.
“In some places the impact was enormous,” said Reince Priebus, chairman of the Host Committee. “In other places, depending on the situation, where the businesses are located, where the delegates are located, that all plays a role in it.”
Priebus added he wants “nothing more than everyone to make as much money as possible.”
Priebus said the host committee held several events and parties in restaurants in the lead up to the convention.
“The real thing here, I think that is important for everyone to understand is that there are some businesses that made a lot of money,” Priebus said. “Some wish they made more.”
Priebus said this convention is like an audition for future events to come to Milwaukee.
“The future potential conventions here, whether it be wrestlemania or All-Star games, or whatever it is, is that this is a good destination city to come to, and have your event,” Priebus said. “The real money isn’t just this event. The real money is all the future events that are going to come here. And they’re not going to have all the security to deal with either.”
Priebus said he’s relieved universal praise for the convention.
“I’ve gotten zero negative comments about either the organization, the city, or the events,” Priebus said.
After the convention business in Fiserv Forum is over the Host Committee is having a party at Potawatomi featuring a concert with Jason Aldean.
“That’s our baby tonight,” Priebus said.
~~Ricardo Torres
(5:13 p,m.)
Rally for Samuel Sharpe and D’Vontaye Mitchell begins in Red Arrow Park
Over 100 people, including dozens of journalists, have gathered at Red Arrow Park in Milwaukee to remember Samuel “Jah” Sharpe, Jr., who was shot and killed in Milwaukee Tuesday by police officers who were in town from Ohio for the Republican National Convention.
They are also remembering D’Vontaye Mitchell, who died June 30 after being held down by four security guards outside the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression, which was involved in organizing the Coalition to March on the RNC and held a vigil for Sharpe Tuesday, called for the rally at Red Arrow Thursday.
More than 30 police officers were at the park as the rally began. The Milwaukee Police Department had a softer presence at the Coalition’s march on Monday.
Many residents have decried local officials for allowing Republicans to hold their national convention in Milwaukee and welcoming a heavy police presence.
– Rory Linnane, Genevieve Redsten
(4:58 p.m.)
Did gay dating app Grindr crash during the RNC ?
Are hookups on the rise during the Republican National Convention this week?
According to Google search trends, that has been one of the hot topics on people’s minds in Milwaukee, particularly regarding gay dating app Grindr, which has seen a flood of unconfirmed reports that it’s continually crashing during the convention.
But what’s really happening on Grindr this week?
Read more
~~Rachel Bernhard
Is Elon Musk speaking at the RNC tonight?
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X, has made some big moves supporting Trump in the past week.
On Saturday, less than an hour after the attempted assassination of Trump, Musk posted on X that he “fully” endorses Trump’s presidential campaign. A few days later, Musk reportedly committed to donating $45 million a month to a political action committee backing Trump’s reelection, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The billionaire’s public support of the Trump campaign has ramped up public speculation of whether he might speak at the final night of the RNC, when Trump will formally accept the GOP nomination.
Will Musk speak at the convention Thursday night?
Read more
— Maia Pandey
(4:48 p.m.)
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson wants to see Trump hold a rally in Milwaukee
Could Trump be back in Milwaukee sometime soon?
Asked where former President Donald Trump should hold his next rallies in Wisconsin, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson says he’s told Trump and his campaign that they “ought to come in and do a rally right here in Milwaukee.”
“Milwaukee is a melting pot,” Johnson told the Journal Sentinel on Wisconsin Media Row Thursday afternoon. “Come here because President Trump wants to be, and was, the president for every American. He lifted everybody up.”
Trump has so far held rallies in Green Bay, Waukesha and Racine this year.
Johnson also praised the bipartisan effort to bring the RNC to Wisconsin.
“From Mayor Johnson to Gov. Evers to myself, we all wanted the exact same thing: a great event, so that everybody leaving here has got a really great impression of Milwaukee and Wisconsin,” he said.
Like Vos, Johnson agreed that if President Joe Biden were to exit the presidential race, it wouldn’t change Republicans’ strategy much.
Ahead of Trump’s acceptance speech tonight, Johnson said Trump’s “life was spared for a reason. I’m sure he wants to put it to very good use.”
“Trump said he had a humdinger speech. I’m sure he would have loved to deliver it, we probably would have loved to hear it,” Johnson said. “But he set that aside, he wants to have a speech talking about unity.”
~~Hope Karnopp
Popular YouTuber Alex Stein’s antics got him thrown out of the RNC. Find out what he did.
Right-wing comedic YouTuber Alex Stein was thrown out of the Republican National Convention on July 16.
RNC organizers decided to remove Stein, who runs the YouTube channel “Prime Time with Alex Stein,” after he interrupted a video interview between Piers Morgan and Cenk Uygur, host of “The Young Turks.”
In the video, Stein stuck his head around Uygur’s camera yelling: “Cenk is transgender, Cenk is transgender.”
Uygur immediately called Stein one of the “lunatic Republicans” while still on with Morgan.
Videos of the incident went on to get millions of views on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as other social platforms.
~~Erik Hanley
(4:29 p.m.)
Vos hasn’t talked to Trump this week, said he’s ‘always open’ to it
Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he hasn’t yet spoken with Trump this week, but said he’s “always open to it.”
“We had talked about trying to get together. But obviously, with everything that happened on Saturday, security’s been tighter, his schedule has been more crazy, so he’s got better things to do,” Vos told reporters at Wisconsin Media Row Thursday afternoon.
Vos endorsed Trump earlier this year, but the state’s top Republican didn’t always want to see Trump as the nominee. Vos has sometimes become a target of the former president, including facing a Trump-backed primary challenger.
Asked how confident he was that Republicans will win Wisconsin in November, Vos said he’s been “in Wisconsin long enough to not be overconfident. Every election is decided by a razor-thin margin.”
Vos expressed support for JD Vance and said his personal story will resonate with voters. He said if Democrats replace President Joe Biden as their nominee, it wouldn’t affect Republicans’ efforts to compare the four years under Biden to Trump’s time in office.
“I think no matter who the Democrats put (in), they’re not going to change the policies,” Vos said.
Vos said he’s probably talked to people from half of the country this week and “the only thing they have said is positives.”
“We all know living here that ‘Wisconsin nice’ is real, but we are now proving it to the rest of the world that the people who live here love our country, and they are also super-hospitable, no matter what their political beliefs are, ” Vos said.
(4:20 p.m.)
— Hope Karnopp
WWE takes over the RNC with Kid Rock, Linda McMahon, Hulk Hogan and Kane all in Milwaukee
Donald Trump has a long history with the WWE. In fact, he’s in the company’s Hall of Fame.
So it’s probably not surprising that the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee where Trump was officially named the GOP nominee for president again earlier in the week has turned into a WWE reunion.
Three members of the WWE family — Kid Rock, Linda McMahon and Hulk Hogan — will be featured on the final night of the RNC Thursday at Fiserv Forum and another one — Glenn Jacobs (known to wrestling fans as Kane who is now the mayor of Knox County in Tennessee) — has been involved in the convention events.
Read more
(4 p.m.)
— Christopher Kuhagen
Protesters clash with Trump supporters
Anti-Trump filmmakers and protesters on Thursday afternoon got into an extended altercation with Trump supporters outside the Hyatt Regency hotel, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave., next to an RNC security checkpoint.
The confrontation lasted about 45 minutes and involved several heated exchanges and some slurs between both groups. There was no observed fighting and no apparent injuries.
One person involved in the incident, dressed as Uncle Sam, stole a flag from anti-Trump protesters, which provoked frustration from the protesters and led to some taunting and heated exchanges.
At least 50 police officers observed the altercation, but didn’t intervene.
People in vests with the words “Community Relations Services” on them eventually dispersed the groups.
(3:45 p.m.)
— Kathryn Muchnick and Jolan Kruse
State Rep. Scott Allen proud of RNC as he watches avidly from Waukesha home
Like millions of Americans across the country, state Rep. Scott Allen has closely watched the events and highlights of the RNC from his Waukesha home.
From this position roughly 20 miles away from the hub of activity, there are no security zones to wade through, no traffic jams, no parking challenges and, in light of last weekend’s assassination attempt against Trump, no potential threats to witness.
But Allen, the 97th Assembly District’s representative since 2014, feels involved nonetheless, and, more than that, comfortable as the week unfolded. The five-term Republican is also proud of the Milwaukee connection and the focus it brings.
“I have been paying attention to conventions and involved in the party for decades,” Allen said. “The big difference that I see in this convention … and it might be because it’s here in Wisconsin, but it also might be related to the incident that occurred this weekend, is that everybody is interested in it. Even the last convention (in 2016), it wasn’t like that. I’d say, maybe one out of 10 people I talked to were paying attention.
“Part of it is because it’s right in our hometown, and we’re kind of proud of that.”
The convention has also given him a chance to learn more about JD Vance, who Trump announced Monday as his vice presidential running mate. “I think he’s a grand representation” of the party’s future, Allen said.
(2:45 p.m.)
— Jim Riccioli
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley doubles down on support for Biden
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley stopped by Media Row on Thursday to talk about finding unity within the Democratic Party around the selection of President Joe Biden as the nominee. He said disagreement in the party “speaks to the level of democracy that we have” and called it a “family feud,” but pushed for Democrats to continue “staying the course.”
“As long as we keep talking about President Biden, if he’s fit, I think that’s a distraction from us as Democrats really bringing home the issues at hand,” Crowley said, reiterating the support he offered for Biden at Demcorats’ counter-programming this morning.
He said those calling for Biden to step down should realize “we really don’t have too many choices at the end of the day” and that the most important job is “to defeat Trump.”
“We have to look at this as a machine. It’s not just voting for President Biden, we’re also voting for Vice President Kamala Harris, we’re also voting for many of the appointees who have been doing great work on behalf of this administration,” Crowley said.
Even before the fallout over the debate, polling showed Biden has an enthusiasm problem in Wisconsin: Those very enthusiastic to vote overwhelmingly support Trump, 61% to 39%, according to the most recent Marquette Poll.
Crowley said Democrats “have to focus on turnout” to win the election and credited their win in 2020 to their ground game and “robust get-out-the-vote effort.”
“As long as we continue to focus on that, and the issues that people are talking about at the kitchen table, we’re going to see another win this upcoming year,” Crowley said.
(2:35 p.m.)
— Rachel Hale
Hispanic voters are ‘the new Republican Party,’ Florida congressman says
In the lower level of the Iron Horse Hotel, 500 W. Florida St. in Walker’s Point, the Hispanic Leadership Coalition of the American First Policy Institute hosted dozens of Hispanic leaders from all over the country.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Florida, said Republicans and Hispanics share “the same values,” referring specifically to a strong sense of family and faith.
“More and more of us are becoming Republican, and more of us also, even though they maybe independent, are voting Republican,” Gimenez said.
At the event, there was finger food, drinks and maracas with the phrase “vota por tu futuro!” — which translates to “vote for your future!”
Gimenez said, in 2016, his district was won by Democrat Hillary Clinton and eventually swung Republican when he was elected in 2022.
“I think Donald Trump has a really good chance of winning Miami Dade County,” Gimenez said, adding that it has historically been a Democratic county. “That shows you what’s happening not only in in Miami Dade County but what’s happening in the Hispanic community … around this country.”
Gimenez, who was born in Cuba, said the coalition of conservatives and Hispanic conservatives will help win elections for Republicans.
“The Republican Party needs to do more outreach to Hispanics,” Gimenez said. “That will be the new Republican Party.”
(2:30 p.m.)
— Ricardo Torres
Kid Rock arrives in Milwaukee, warming up at Fiserv
Singer and rapper Robert James Ritchie — better known as Kid Rock — posted a video on X Thursday afternoon, saying he’d just arrived in Milwaukee, writing, “RNC 2024!! Tonight!!”
Although the official schedule for the last day of the convention doesn’t yet list a musical performance, a TMJ4 reporter posted a video of him rehearsing at Fiserv Forum, complete with patriotic lights, backup musicians and a visible “Trump Vance” sign. NBC News in Chicago reported him as performing at 9:03 p.m. Thursday.
Michigan-born Kid Rock made his name in the music industry with the release of his album “Devil Without a Cause” in 1998, since making music that mixes hip hop, rap and country genres. His most listened-to song on Spotify is “All Summer Long,” which he released in 2008.
He’s leaned into conservative politics in recent years, aligning himself with former Trump’s causes. Recently, he donated $50,000 to an online fundraiser for “supporters and families wounded or killed” in the Saturday shooting at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
In his video on X, he said he’s in Milwaukee “to support our tried and true, red, white and blue, 100% American badass president.”
(1:40 p.m.)
— Madeline Heim
Milwaukee Public Market business picking up
Activity at Milwaukee Public Market appears noticeably busier during Thursday’s lunch hour compared to the same period Tuesday.Executive Director Paul Schwartz said both Wednesday and Thursday are better days compared to earlier this week. Some of that is tied to more business from first responders, he said.Operators of two Milwaukee Street restaurants — Cubanitas and Brunch It Up — made similar comments.
(1:05 p.m.)— Tom Daykin
Former Wisconsin GOP congressman Scott Klug impressed with Vance’s speech
Former Wisconsin Republican congressman Scott Klug stopped by Wisconsin Media Row Thursday afternoon to talk about JD Vance’s Wednesday night speech.
“I think he really came across more so than I expected as a full-throated Midwesterner,” Klug said, adding he was “impressed” by the speech.
Vance formally accepted his nomination as the GOP vice-presidential candidate Wednesday. During his speech, he said the moment was about “all of us,” including the “auto worker in Michigan, wondering why out-of-touch politicians are destroying their jobs” and “the factory worker in Wisconsin who makes things with their hands and is proud of American craftsmanship.”
Trump is hoping the Ohio senator and “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” author can appeal to voters in rust-belt states.
“It just seems to me like a real moment and, if he plays like that on the campaign trail, he’ll be an asset throughout the sort of Upper Midwest, from Pennsylvania to Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin,” Klug said. “I think that’s why they picked him.”
(12:55 p.m.)
— Rachel Hale
Melania, Ivanka Trump will be at RNC Thursday night, reports say
Ever since the start of the convention, political observers from both parties have wondered: Where is former President Donald Trump’s wife, Melania? And where’s his daughter and former adviser, Ivanka?
Now, it looks like Milwaukee can expect to see both Melania and Ivanka on its final day.
USA TODAY, citing unnamed officials, reported Thursday that Melania Trump will be in attendance when her husband formally accepts the GOP’s nomination tonight and is expected to be seated in the family box at the RNC. Officials didn’t provide additional details of her arrival, or say whether she would speak to the delegates.
Meanwhile, Eric Trump, son of the former president, told Tony Dokoupil of “CBS Mornings” that both Melania and Ivanka Trump will be at the RNC in Milwaukee Thursday.
“They’re coming in full force and effect, so they’ll certainly be here,” Eric Trump said.
(12:30 p.m.)
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— Jane Park
Who’s speaking at the RNC Thursday? Who are the RNC speakers tonight?
The final official session of the convention, in which Trump will accept his nomination as the Republican candidate for president, begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m.
Here’s the list of speakers for the final night of the convention:
5:30 to 6 p.m.
- Sen. Steve Daines (Montana)
- Rep. Richard Hudson (North Carolina), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee
6 to 6:30 p.m.
6:30 to 7 p.m.
- Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church in Detroit
- Steve Witkoff, real estate investor, landlord and longtime friend of Trump, and Zach Witkoff
7 to 7:30 p.m.
- Alina Habba, Trump’s attorney
- Tucker Carlson, former host of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” on Fox News
7:30 to 8 p.m.
8 to 9 p.m.
- Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
- Eric Trump, Trump’s son
- Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship
9 to 10:30 p.m.
- Former President Donald Trump
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(12:30 p.m.)
— Madeline Heim
The north protest zone has been mostly quiet
Haymarket Square was empty of protesters Thursday morning. Staff with Milwaukee’s Office of Community Wellness and Safety and local firefighters milled about the park, which is available for demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“It’s better to have and not need than need and not have,” said Community Wellness and Safety Director Ashanti Hamilton of the space, which is one of two designated protest zones.
He said Haymarket had been consistently slow after the first day of the convention, adding that protestors had largely found other ways to make their voices heard, including through demonstrations at Red Arrow Park and near checkpoints inside the RNC security zone, which Hamilton said have more built-in audiences.
Two protests are scheduled at Haymarket Thursday afternoon.
(12:20 p.m.)
— La Risa Lynch and Steve Martinez
Beloit billionaire Diane Hendricks called ‘everyday American’ before her Thursday night speech
Billionaire Diane Hendricks, one of the richest people in Wisconsin, will apparently be speaking as an “everyday American” when she takes the stage Thursday at the RNC.
Hendricks is the co-founder of ABC Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of roofing supplies and a major distributor of siding and windows in North America. She has an estimated net worth of $20.9 billion, and the 77-year-old topped the 2024 Forbes’ list of richest self-made women in America — the seventh year in a row she’s led the list.
But according to the list of RNC speakers, provided by a source familiar with the lineup, Hendricks will be speaking as an “everyday American” on Thursday, the final night of the convention.
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(12:10 p.m.)
— Mary Spicuzza and Maia Pandey
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson claps back after U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden says he’s done a ‘horrible’ job
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has been stressing unity during the RNC this week.
But Johnson couldn’t resist clapping back at Wisconsin Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden when Van Orden told Urban Milwaukee that the Democratic mayor is doing a “horrible job” leading Wisconsin’s largest city.
“This place has the potential to be a world class, awesome city that it should be, but unfortunately Cavalier Johnson has done a horrible job running this place,” Van Orden told Urban Milwaukee.
Johnson responded on X, “I hope that Mr. Van Orden’s visit to Milwaukee was more memorable than his visit to the United States Capitol on January 6th.”
Van Orden has acknowledged attending the Trump rally that preceded the Jan. 6 insurrection but said he left when the riot began.
(11:15 a.m.)
— Mary Spicuzza and Lawrence Andrea
Journal Sentinel’s Kristin Brey, JR Radcliffe preview Thursday at RNC; Rachel Bernhard talks about RNC’s impact on downtown businesses
Late-night TV talked a lot about the RNC Wednesday. But not a lot about its host city.
The late-night television talk shows had much to say Wednesday night about the second and third days of the RNC in Milwaukee. But they didn’t have a lot to say about Milwaukee.
The late-night hosts poked fun at JD Vance’s beard, the RNC hip-hop anthem “Trump Trump Baby” and the appearance of Babydog, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s charming, 60-pound bulldog.
But Milwaukee? You’d hardly know the RNC was in the city.
The only notable mention of Milwaukee was on “The Daily Show,” which briefly mentioned the city in a recurring bit where correspondents reported “live” from Milwaukee. The punchline? None of “The Daily Show” crew was actually in Milwaukee.
More than halfway through the segment, host Ronny Chieng introduced correspondent Michael Kosta, who appeared to speak in front of a digital backdrop of Fiserv Forum, and asked him how things were going in Milwaukee.
“I know we canceled all our shows here this week, but I’m glad that I got to stay here in Milwaukee, which is where I am,” said Kosta.
On Sunday, following the assassination attempt targeting Trump in Pennsylvania, “The Daily Show” canceled plans to record its shows live in Milwaukee during the RNC, citing “logistical issues and the evolving situation in Milwaukee.”
Tuesday night on “The Daily Show,” host Jon Stewart said the show’s plans had changed because the place they planned to stage the show, the Marcus Performing Arts Center, had been shifted into the hard security perimeter.
(A Journal Sentinel fact check found that he claim was wrong: The boundaries of the security perimeter had not changed after the shooting, and the Marcus Center was still in the soft security zone.)
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(10:50 a.m.)
— Jane Park
Melania Trump expected to be in family box Thursday night
There’s a mystery guest for Trump’s acceptance speech: Former first lady Melania Trump.
The low-profile spouse is expected to be in the family box for her husband’s remarks, officials said, but they wouldn’t otherwise comment on her activities. She has no public schedule.
Melania Trump has rarely be seen in public during her husband’s 2024 campaign; she did issue a lengthy written statement after Saturday’s assassination attempt.
“A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion — his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration,” she wrote.
Read more about Melania Trump
(10:40 a.m.)
— David Jackson, USA TODAY
Democrats reinforce their support for Biden
Democrats Thursday morning doubled down on their support for Biden, who tested positive for COVID Wednesday afternoon.
In a press conference in Milwaukee, Quentin Fulks, the principal deputy campaign manager for the Biden-Harris campaign, said Biden is planning to stay in the race, despite calls for him to step down.
“Our campaign is not working through any scenarios where President Biden is not the top of the ticket,” Fulks said. “He is and will be the Democratic nominee.”
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla of California said Biden is committed to continuing his campaign.
“He’s committed to winning in November, because we want to continue the progress we’ve made on his leadership,” he said. “And because we know the dangers of Donald Trump.”
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said Biden’s road to victory this fall runs through Wisconsin, and he will continue his support for the president as well.
“My fellow Wisconsinites and myself know that we’re going to vote and we’re going to vote to keep (Biden) there in November,” Crowley said. “Because we know exactly what is on the mind. We know that we have to protect our democracy because there is no other option.”
The speakers also highlighted Project 2025, the platform of issues that is being tied to Trump. Democrats have repeatedly criticized the plan, attempting to draw the eyes of voters to what they say are concerning plans Trump would implement in office.
“This is what this election is about. It is not about Joe Biden’s age. It’s not about Donald Trump’s age to be honest with you. It is about their vision for this country for a second term,” Fulks said. “Project 2025 is a blueprint that Donald Trump himself has aligned and instructed people to put together for what his agenda would be and we think that American voters deserve to know that ahead of November.”
(10:15 a.m.)
— Laura Schulte
National bus tour promoting abortion access to stop in Milwaukee Thursday
The “Ride to Decide” bus tour, put on by the group Free & Just, which advocates for reproductive freedom, will stop in Milwaukee at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Tour speakers will highlight the consequences of abortion bans across the country and “will set the record straight as conservatives at the Republican National Convention attempt to distance themselves from their long and shameful record of attacking access to abortion and reproductive health care,” according to a press release from the group.
Speakers include a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin, a former Planned Parenthood chaplain and nurses and doctors from the Milwaukee area. The group has been handing out contraceptives as the bus travels the country.
The word “abortion” has rarely been uttered at the convention. Republicans released a party platform last week that deflected on the issue of abortion rights, leaving anti-abortion groups who wanted to implement a more aggressive stance frustrated. The weaker position may reflect concerns that the issue of abortion is a political loser for Republicans and could hurt Trump and other Republican candidates in November.
Democrats, meanwhile, say abortion rights are still under attack.
In Wisconsin, the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022 reverted the state to an 1849 law banning almost all abortions. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed abortion services in September 2023, citing a comment from a Dane County judge who said the 1849 law appeared to apply to feticide, not consensual abortion.
Both an appeal of that ruling, and a petition from Planned Parenthood to find a right to abortion in the state constitution, are pending before the state Supreme Court.
(10 a.m.)
— Madeline Heim
Sen. Ron Johnson predicts Trump speech to unify after life-changing experience
Thursday morning, during the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s God and Country Breakfast at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson shared what he hoped to hear from Trump’s speech Thursday night.
Johnson explained how the assassination attempt Saturday in Pennsylvania might shape the speech.
“That would change your life,” Johnson said. “I think we’re getting indications from President Trump that his life has been changed. I mean, I think we all here think this is probably something whispered in his ear.
“He turned his head. He looked at the chart. His life was spared. And now he has a new lease on life and he can put it to good use.”
Johnson said he’s praying that Trump will deliver a message of unity.
“Our nation needs to be healed and unified, and we have to lead the way. That’s got to be our mission. It is our solemn duty to preserve this marvelous land.”
(9:50 a.m.)
— Mike De Sisti
Hulk Hogan’s going to speak at RNC Thursday night, brother
Retired American wrestling star Hulk Hogan will speak Thursday night at the Republican National Convention, ahead of a highly anticipated speech from former president Donald Trump.
MSNBC first reported Thursday morning that Hogan, who has occasionally tossed around political aspirations after retiring from wrestling in 2012, would join the lineup of convention speakers in Milwaukee. Trump is expected to accept his nomination tonight as the GOP presidential candidate facing President Joe Biden in November.
Read more
(9 a.m.)
— Madeline Heim
More:Hulk Hogan will speak at the RNC Thursday night. Here’s what to know about him.
Mayor says Republicans will offer ‘false narrative of gloom’ on final day of RNC, reiterates support for Biden
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said ahead of Trump’s acceptance speech Thursday night that those listening should be prepared for a “false narrative of gloom, a false narrative of blame, a message from Republicans that just simply is not true.”
Trump, who has appeared at the four-day convention but has not spoken, will address those gathered at Fiserv Forum Thursday night.
Johnson, a Democrat and ardent Biden supporter, said he’s looking forward to taking part in the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago and re-nominating Biden to run for a second term in the White House.
“The upcoming November election is extremely, extremely important for the future of America,” he said.
Johnson has continued to stick by Biden even as other Democrats have called for or privately urged the president to step aside following a disastrous debate performance last month.
On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., became the most prominent Democratic lawmaker to call on Biden to drop out of the 2024 election over concerns he can’t beat Trump in November.
(7:45 a.m.)
— Alison Dirr
City-designated demonstration spaces outside RNC busier Wednesday
City of Milwaukee-designated demonstration areas were busier Wednesday than they had been on the previous two days of the convention, Johnson said Thursday.
And, he said, for the first time, additional people came and asked to speak at the podiums. They were accommodated, he said.
(7:30 a.m.)
— Alison Dirr
Arrests overnight ahead of fourth and final day of RNC, mayor says
Two incidents near the convention led to seven arrests overnight Thursday, Johnson said.
The arrests took place on the east side of the Milwaukee River, just outside of the security perimeter.
Johnson said in the first case, two people were arrested for fights, while in the second case, five people were arrested for “disorderly behavior outside a bar.”
He also said there was a convention-related arrest of a person accused of stealing tickets and trying to sell them.
(7:20 a.m.)
— Alison Dirr
What’s the RNC Day 4 convention schedule?
The final official session of the convention, in which Trump will accept his nomination as the Republican candidate for president, begins at 5:45 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, there are a number of events for convention-goers. The convention is closed to all but delegates, politicians, media members and volunteers.
Among the events:
- The Hispanic Leadership Coalition Reception is from noon to 2 p.m. at the Iron Horse Hotel.
- There are several book signings at Convention Fest: Donald Trump Jr., from 2 to 4 p.m.; Peter Navarro, from 2 to 4 p.m.; and Kari Lake, from 3 to 4 p.m.
- The Republican Jewish Coalition is hosting a Salute to Pro-Israel Elected Officials from 4 to 6 p.m.
The official convention watch party takes place each day at the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub, 320 W. Highland Ave., across from Fiserv Forum. It’s set to start at 5:45 p.m.
Here’s the master schedule of events for the Republican National Convention.
(5:30 a.m.)
— Madeline Heim
What time does Donald Trump speak Thursday night?
The time of Trump’s nomination acceptance speech hasn’t been announced, but it’s likely to be at the end of the session, sometime between 9 and 10 p.m.
The schedule of speakers for Thursday night likely will be released late morning to midafternoon Thursday.
What’s the RNC theme Thursday?
Thursday’s theme is Make America Great Once Again.
Here are the daily themes from earlier in the week:
- Monday: Make America Wealthy Once Again
- Tuesday: Make America Safe Once Again
- Wednesday: Make America Strong Once Again
Who’s speaking at the RNC Thursday? Who are the RNC speakers tonight?
No speakers have been announced yet, though it’s certain that Trump will speak.
There also are reports that UFC CEO Dana White will speak before Trump.
Based on the RNC’s list of speakers for the convention released in advance, here are some of the people who haven’t spoken yet, including Beloit’s Diane Hendricks, owner of ABC Supply:
- Sen. Steve Daines (Montana), NRSC Chairman
- Rep. Richard Hudson (North Carolina), NRCC Chairman
- Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State
- Linda McMahon, former U.S. Administrator of SBA
- Tucker Carlson, TV host
- Franklin Graham, faith leader
- Diane Hendricks, owner of ABC Supply
When does the RNC end? How many days is the RNC?
The Republican National Convention ends Thursday, the last of its four days.
When is the Democratic National Convention, or DNC, in 2024?
The Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago — less than 100 miles south of the RNC — from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.
