Republican National Convention Starts Tonight
The Republican National Convention will begin tonight and run through Thursday evening, when President Donald J. Trump will accept his party’s nomination from the White House. The convention was slated to take place in Charlotte, N.C. but after disagreements over COVID-19 restrictions, was moved to Jacksonville, Fla. Now, with high rates of COVID-19 in Florida, some speakers and delegates will gather in Charlotte with others speaking virtually.
Some controversy remains around the president accepting the nomination from the White House as a potential violation of the Hatch Act, which bars executive branch employees from campaigning on government time or on government property. However, it does not apply to the president or vice president. Trump also plans to make an appearance every night of the convention.
Tonight will feature rising star Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Donald Trump Jr., and Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple who pointed guns at protesters. Tuesday brings first lady Melania Trump, Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Nicholas Sandmann, the Covington Catholic student who was caught on video mocking a Native American protester. Then, on Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence will accept his renomination. Also speaking are second lady Karen Pence, Lara Trump, outgoing White House advisor Kellyanne Conway, two former NFL players and Madison Cawthorn, the 25-year-old Republican nominee for North Carolina’s 11th district. Finally, the convention closes on Thursday with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White, and Alice Johnson who was granted clemency by the president. To close the night, Ivanka Trump will introduce her father who will accept his nomination.
Blake is a writer focused on non-profits and trade industries. He has told the stories of countless peacebuilders while covering international development with the nonprofit Search for Common Ground. He is a graduate of the George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs.