Donald Trump announced on Monday that Ohio Senator J.D. Vance would be his running mate in the upcoming presidential election. Vance, a one-time critic who has become a staunch supporter, aligns with Trump’s America First movement and populist views.
Trump, 78, made this announcement at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, an event marked by the recent assassination attempt on the former president. Vance, 39, known for his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” represents a new wave of populism and holds views even more conservative than Trump on issues like abortion.
Vance, a first-term senator, has a history of criticizing Trump, once calling him “idiotic” and “reprehensible.” However, he has since transformed into a loyal supporter, earning Trump’s endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race.
The convention, with around 50,000 Republicans attending, was overshadowed by the assassination attempt, where one bystander was killed and two were wounded. Despite the incident, Trump remained defiant, vowing to continue his campaign and dismissing any suggestions to postpone the convention.
“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” Trump told the New York Post during an interview on his way to Milwaukee. He appeared with a bandage on his ear and a bruise on his forearm from the Secret Service’s efforts to protect him.
The Secret Service, facing criticism for the security breach, assured that they are fully prepared to ensure safety at the convention.
Despite his legal troubles, including a conviction in a hush-money case, Trump remains confident, leading in multiple polls. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden faces calls from within his party to withdraw from the race due to concerns about his age.
In a legal win for Trump, a judge dismissed a case accusing him of endangering national security by retaining classified documents after leaving office. Trump took to Truth Social, calling for the dismissal of all legal cases against him, claiming political targeting.
Trump prepared a strong speech criticizing Biden’s administration, which he plans to deliver when he officially becomes the Republican nominee on Thursday. He also expressed a desire to unite the country, although his instinct to settle scores was evident in his immediate reaction to the assassination attempt.
The Milwaukee convention is heavily influenced by Trump’s presence, with banners proclaiming “Make America Great Once Again,” reflecting his dominance over the party. Since his 2020 election loss and the subsequent Capitol riot, Trump has reshaped Republican politics, installing loyalists like his daughter-in-law Lara Trump in key positions and silencing dissent.
The convention is also a family affair, with Lara Trump and Trump’s eldest sons, Don Jr. and Eric, scheduled to address the delegates.
