Trump arrives in Milwaukee for Republican National Convention

Former US President Donald Trump arrived in Wisconsin to attend the Republican National Convention, the day after surviving an assassination attempt.

The party’s convention in Milwaukee will go on as scheduled, despite a gunman breaking out at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening that left President Trump shot in the ear.

Trump posted on social media that he had considered postponing the trip for two days but “decided I cannot allow a ‘shooter’ or potential assassin to force me to change my schedule or anything else.”

The attack on the candidate has put increased focus on safety and security at the event, which begins Monday at the arena home to the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

But Audrey Gibson Cicchino, the Republican National Committee’s Secret Service coordinator, said at a press conference Sunday afternoon in Milwaukee that there were no changes to security plans.

Around 50,000 people are expected to take part in the four-day extravaganza of events, politics and policies as the party makes its case to voters ahead of November’s general election.

Each of the two major political parties in the United States holds a convention every four years to formally select their respective standard-bearers for the White House and prepare for the final stages of the election campaign.

The conference will also include prime-time speeches from prominent speakers and presidential candidates.

At the convention, delegates from each state pledge their support to the candidate of their choice and approve a policy platform.

The primary election gave Trump the 2,265 delegates needed for the nomination, making it a mere formality for him as the party’s presumptive nominee.

Democrats are scheduled to hold their convention in Chicago next month.

Trump is not expected to speak until Thursday evening.

One of the highlights of the press conference will be when he announces his vice presidential candidate.

But as the dust settles from the assassination attempt, it’s unclear when Trump will announce who he has chosen as his running mate, or when he will give a speech.

The former president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is scheduled to speak on Wednesday.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, one of Trump’s biggest rivals in the Republican primary, was initially expected to skip the Republican National Convention.

However, after the assassination attempt, it was reported that she would not only attend the conference but also give a speech.

Other speakers reportedly include Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Arizona Senate candidate Kali Lake, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Teamsters Union President Sean O’Brien.

Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee and daughter-in-law of the former president, said speakers will include celebrities.

Model, reality TV star and Kanye West’s ex-girlfriend Amber Rose is scheduled to address the crowd.

But former Republican establishment figures such as George W. Bush, Mike Pence and Mitt Romney are not on the guest list.

Former First Lady Melania Trump, who rarely appears in public, is also scheduled to attend the convention, according to U.S. media.

Mrs. Trump did not attend the June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and President Trump, nor did she attend her husband’s hush money trial earlier this year.

The former first lady has hosted Republican fundraisers over the past year, but this will be her first major appearance during this election cycle.

Monday’s theme is “Make America Good Again,” Tuesday’s is “Make America Safe Again,” Wednesday’s is “Make America Strong Again” and Thursday’s is “Make America Great Again.”

This year’s party platform is 16 pages long.

Some themes from Project 2025, a longer think tank proposal, may also feature during the convention.

Project 2025, which Trump has distanced himself from, calls for expanding presidential powers, cutting thousands of civil service jobs, cutting taxes and dismantling the Department of Education.

A “coalition” demonstration to the Republican National Convention is scheduled for noon local time on Monday.

Organizers said they expected 5,000 protesters to take part, with the support of 125 liberal activist groups from across the country.

“Please join us in opposing the Republican Party’s racist and reactionary policies; supporting Palestine; defending women’s, LGBTQ and reproductive rights; defending and expanding immigrant rights; and advocating for peace, justice and equality,” Omar Flores, co-chair of the coalition, said in a statement on Friday.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the city will make public safety its number one priority this week.

“A National Special Security Event is the highest designation given to a security event of this magnitude and importance in the United States,” Mayor Johnson said.

For the latest news, including live coverage, visit bbc.com/news.

The BBC News TV channel will broadcast President Trump’s speech live on Thursday and will provide reaction and analysis afterwards.

It will also be available to watch on the RNC website.