Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images
Former President Donald Trump is set to formally accept the Republican Party's presidential nomination on Thursday (July 18) at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. This comes just days after an assassination attempt on his life, an event that is expected to significantly influence his address.
Trump, known for his fiery rhetoric, has indicated that his speech will now take a different tone.
"Honestly, it's going to be a whole different speech now," Trump told the Washington Examiner.
Lara Trump, Republican National Committee co-chair, suggested that Americans might see a "different version" of Trump, perhaps a "bit softer" than before.
The convention's final day is centered around the theme "Make America Great Once Again," focusing on Trump's vision for the country if he is re-elected. The week-long event has seen GOP delegates, governors, lawmakers, and other party members expressing support for Trump's agenda on the economy, foreign policy, and public safety.
The convention has also been marked by unity within the Republican ranks following the assassination attempt against Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump attended the first three nights of the convention with a bandage over his ear, a visible reminder of the recent attack.
Despite the recent events, the convention has continued to showcase a Republican Party reshaped by Trump since his 2016 nomination. Rivals he has vanquished, including Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have put aside past criticisms and given him their unqualified support.
Trump's vice presidential pick, Ohio Senator JD Vance, officially accepted the nomination in a speech delivered Wednesday night. Vance, once a fierce critic of Trump, praised the former president as America's "last best hope."