Donald Trump accepts Republican nomination for a second term and calls election 'most important in the history of our country' accusing Joe Biden of leading 'radical movement to destroy' America(93 Picture)
President Donald Trump accepted the Republican Party's nomination for a second term on Thursday and painted a stark choice for voters this November: a second term for himself or voting for Joe Biden, a man who would 'demolish' the nation.
'Despite all of our greatness as a nation, everything we have achieved is now endangered,' the president warned in his acceptance speech, given on the South Lawn of the White House. 'This is the most important election in the history of our country. At no time before have voters faced a clearer choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies, or two agendas.'
'This election will decide whether we save the American Dream, or whether we allow a socialist agenda to demolish our cherished destiny,' he said.
And he ended his remarks with the same message.
'I say again to all Americans: This is the most important election in the history of our country. There has never been such a difference between two parties, or two individuals, in ideology, philosophy, or vision than there is right now,' he said.
His speech ended two weeks of conventions - first Democratic, then Republican - which presented two diametrically opposed versions of a country gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, racked by a reckoning on racial justice, and hit by mass unemployment on a scale unknown since the 1930s.
Democrats called Trump's administration a time of 'American darkness,' while Republicans said Biden would bring anarchy; Democrats focused on the virus and unemployment, and Republicans on 'crime and violence.'
The end of the conventions marks the dash to the finish line, with the first head-to-head debate on September 29, giving Trump and Biden a month to focus their message and deal with the challenge of campaigning in a pandemic.
But there was little to remind viewers of Trump's speech that there is a pandemic: on the South Lawn, almost 2,000 guests - some in their 80s, including Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross - sat tightly-packed, hardly any wearing masks, and crowded together at the end as a spectacular fireworks display lit up the Washington sky.
The split screen America was on display at and around the White House, with protesters outside who blasted airhorns during the speech, at times audible on the South Lawn, and shouted at departing RNC guests.
Biden was a mainstay of the president's remarks, getting mentioned more than 40 times in the 71 minutes he spoke. Trump's speech, given with the White House lit up behind him and members of his administration, his family, and adoring supporters spread out in front of him on the South Lawn, was introduced by his daughter Ivanka.
During his speech, he veered back and forth between touting his accomplishments and attacking his Democratic rival.
'We're here and they're not,' he said at one point, pointing to the White House behind him.
His speech caps a Republican National Convention dedicated to all things Trump - his record, his work, his power as president. Thursday's final night offered a new view of Trump - with staff testifying to his empathy and compassion - along with an appeal to Democrats to change sides and give him a second term.
It also featured speeches by some of his most faithful supporters, including long time staffers, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and a series of filmed sections designed to paint him as compassionate and an ally of African Americans, both of which polls suggest he has struggled to be seen as throughout his time in office.
President Trump with his wife Melania, son Donald Jr and grandson Barron after making his speech at the White House last night
President Donald Trump accepted his party's nomination for a second term
Trump gives his grandson Theodore James Kushner a thumbs up outside the White House, flanked by First Lady Melania son Barron Trump and daughter Tiffany Trump after he delivered his acceptance speech for the Republican Party nomination
Ivanka's son Theodore flashes a smile as Donald Trump kisses him on the head outside the White House
His speech ended two weeks of conventions - first Democratic, then Republican - which presented two diametrically opposed versions of a country gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, racked by a reckoning on racial justice, and hit by mass unemployment on a scale unknown since the 1930s.
Melania places her hand on son Barron's back as they watch the fireworks outside the White House last night
President Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and the extended Trump family all got on stage together after the president finished his remarks accepting the Republican nomination for a second term
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump emerge from the White House for his speech
The first couple walk down to the South Lawn
Ivanka Trump stands to wave to the crowd while her son Theodore, sitting in front of her, puts his hands over his ears as guests applaud his mom
Protesters surround Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky and his wife as they left the Republican National Convention late Thursday. He said he was attacked by an 'angry mob of over 100 people'
Rand tweeted after the incident: 'Just got attacked by an angry mob of over 100, one block away from the White House. Thank you to @DCPoliceDept for literally saving our lives from a crazed mob.'
A large group of BLM protesters gathered outside the White House while Trump made his speech and tried to drown him out
A man was knocked to the ground by BLM protesters as they accosted him as he walked outside the White House
Fireworks lit up the sky after the President's speech with 2020 spelled out
The Washington Monument is back lit by fireworks during the finale of the Republican National Convention
President Donald Trump and his family after he accepted the Republican nomination for president for a second term
Pointed message: The fireworks were met with an alternative view spelled out in lights highlighting the toll of COVID deaths - which Joe Biden's Democrats say is the result of Donald Trump's inability to come up with a plan
Portico: The president gave himself all the trappings of the presidency for his speech - angering Democrats and blowing throw precedent by delivering it in front of the White House's grandest elevation
Crowded in: The audience for the speech were not moved apart for social distancing and ignored requests to wear masks. Only those coming into direct contact with Trump were tested for coronavirus
But the closing argument was on Trump's shoulders, his speech the event the week had been building up to.
The South Lawn location was controversial for its selection - and possible violation of the Hatch Act - but, with the coronavirus pandemic hitting the country, the hub of the convention moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Washington D.C.
In his remarks, Trump continued an argument he has been making to voters for months, painting a bleak picture of what the country would look like under a President Joe Biden. He made it clear to voters the choice was in their hands.
'This election will decide whether we will defend the American Way of Life, or whether we allow a radical movement to completely dismantle and destroy it,' he said.
He attacked Biden's record on jobs and hit his Democratic opponent in one of his strongest areas - his appeal to blue collar workers, the same group that put Trump in the White House four years ago.
'Joe Biden is not the savior of America's soul – he is the destroyer of America's Jobs, and if given the chance, he will be the destroyer of American Greatness,' Trump said, with many of the lines in his speech couched in similar, dramatic language.
Mixed in with the remarks were moments that are vintage Trump - a whimsical attack line delivered with a wink and a nod that had his audience in stitches.
Thursday night had a 'hugs and kisses' line that had the audience doubled over in laughter.
'For 47 years, Joe Biden took the donations of blue collar workers, gave them hugs and even kisses,' Trump said, pausing as the audience roared with laughter. The president grinned after he delivered it, as if knowing the effect it would have.
'And told them he felt their pain – and then he flew back to Washington and voted to ship their jobs to China and many other distant lands. Joe Biden spent his entire career outsourcing the dreams of American Workers, offshoring their jobs, opening their borders, and sending their sons and daughters to fight in endless foreign wars.'
He also attacked Biden's ties to China at multiple times in his speech. As vice president, Biden visited China as part of his diplomatic duties. But the Trump campaign has tried to turn Biden's foreign policy experience into a negative, arguing he was working against the United States instead of promoting American interests overseas.
'Joe Biden's agenda is Made in China. My agenda is made in the USA,' he said.
And he conducted the official business at hand early on, formally accepting the party's nomination for a second term - a line that always gets a candidate applause.
'My fellow Americans, tonight, with a heart full of gratitude and boundless optimism, I proudly accept this nomination for President of the United States,' he said.
The 1,500 strong crowd burst into cheers, jumping to their feet and shouting 'four more years.' But also audible throughout the president's remarks were the air horns and sirens from the protesters outside the White House, protesting the president's use of the executive mansion for his speech to a political convention.
Trump outlined his plans for his second term, including rebuilding the economy decimated by the coronavirus pandemic, and reaching for 'new heights of national achievement.'
'In a new term as President, we will again build the greatest economy in history – quickly returning to full employment, soaring incomes, and RECORD prosperity,' he said.
'We will lead America into new frontiers of ambition and discovery, and we will reach for new heights of national achievement. We will rekindle new faith in our values, new pride in our history, and a new spirit of unity that can only be realized through love for our country. Because we understand that America is not a land cloaked in darkness, America is the torch that enlightens the entire world,' he added.
The first family watches the firework show that began after President Trump wrapped up his 71 minute speech
Fireworks surround the Washington Monument
Fireworks seen above the White House
Trump supporters take photos of the fireworks show
President Trump in front of the White House as supporters listen to his remarks
Melania Trump with the Trumps' son Barron
President Trump's image was projected on large screens on the South Lawn
The South Lawn was packed with people listening to the speeches
Ivanka Trump, President Trump and Melania Trump on stage after Ivanka introduced her father
Backdrop: Fireworks lit up the sky above the White House when Donald Trump stopped speaking - launched from around the Washington Monument, which is on a national park
First family: From left Eric and Lara Trump, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Don Jr., Tiffany and Melania and Barron Trump surround the president
Split screen: With the sky lit up with celebratory fireworks on one side of the White House, protesters were on the street at the north side (front)
The end: Donald Trump, hand in hand with his wife Melania, led his family off the stage and back to the White House residence
He also acknowledged the coronavirus pandemic that has decimated the United States, infecting more than 5.88 million Americans and killed more than 181,000.
Although he did not refer to it by its proper names – coronavirus or COVID – nor did he use the moniker 'China virus,' which has been criticized as a racist term. Instead he called it the 'invisible enemy' and the 'virus.'
'In recent months, our nation, and the entire planet, has been struck by a new and powerful invisible enemy. Like those brave Americans before us, we are meeting this challenge. We are delivering lifesaving therapies, and will produce a vaccine before the end of the year, or maybe even sooner! We will defeat the virus, end the pandemic, and emerge stronger than ever before,' he said.
But later in his remarks he did refer to the 'China virus' when he talked about his administration's work to counter the pandemic.
He acknowledged the first responders and health care workers in the crowd.
'We are grateful to be joined tonight by several of our incredible nurses and first responders – please stand and accept our profound thanks. Many Americans have sadly lost friends and cherished loved ones to this horrible disease. As one nation, we mourn, we grieve, and we hold in our hearts forever the memories of all of those lives so tragically taken. In their honor, we will unite. In their memory, we will overcome,' he vowed.
And then he went on to blame China for the virus.
'When the China Virus hit, we launched the largest national mobilization since World War II. Invoking the Defense Production Act, we produced the world's largest supply of ventilators,' he said.
'We developed, from scratch, the largest and most advanced testing system in the world,' he added.
He argued Biden would have 'surrendered' to the virus instead of fighting it, referring to a comment Biden made in an interview where he said he would shut down the country if scientists recommended it.
'Instead of following the science, Joe Biden wants to inflict a painful shutdown on the entire country. His shutdown would inflict unthinkable and lasting harm on our nation's children, families, and citizens of all backgrounds,' Trump claimed.
'The cost of the Biden shutdown would be measured in increased drug overdoses, depression, alcohol addiction, suicides, heart attacks, economic devastation and more. Joe Biden's plan is not a solution to the virus, but rather a surrender,' he said.
'We will have a safe and effective vaccine this year, and together we will crush the virus,' he said.
Biden was the focal point of many of Trump's attacks.
He also attempted to tie Biden to the left wing of the party, which has pushed for stronger environmental protections and defunding the police - areas Biden has said he does not agree with.
'Biden is a Trojan horse for socialism. If Joe Biden doesn't have the strength to stand up to wild-eyed Marxists like Bernie Sanders and his fellow radicals, then how is he ever going to stand up for you?,' he said.
'Make no mistake, if you give power to Joe Biden, the radical left will Defund Police Departments all across America. They will pass federal legislation to reduce law enforcement nationwide. They will make every city look like Democrat-run Portland, Oregon. No one will be safe in Biden's America,' he added.
He continued his image as the 'law and order' president.
'As long as I am President, I will defend the absolute right of every American citizen to live in security, dignity, and peace,' he said.
View from the top: A remote camera on the White House portico captured the view from behind the stage towards the Washington Monument
A different view: Close to the Washington Monument, anti-Trump protesters made noise in an attempt to be heard on the South Lawn
Scene outside: Protesters on Black Lives Matter Plaza, just outside the White House perimeter, were held back by Washington D.C. Metro police
Grandfather time: Theodore Kushner, Ivanka and Jared's son, got a smile from his aunt Tiffany as the Trump family lined up to watch the fireworks
Unusual cover-up: A masked supporter of Donald Trump was the exception to a night when almost 2,000 people watched him accept the Republican nomination
Face in the crowd: Donald Trump pointed towards one of the almost 2,000 supporters who were packed in side-by-side with no mask mandate
Family affair: Ivanka Trump (far left) brought all three children - Arabella, Theodore and Joseph - and stood beside Lara Trump, whose husband Eric is out of view. Their two children, Luke and Carolina, were not present. Kimberly Guilfoyle stood beside boyfriend Donald Trump Jr., then Tiffany, Trump's daughter from his second marriage to Marla Maples, with Melania and Barron (right)
Atmosphere: The crowd moved even closer together to capture pictures of the fireworks display
Kiss for the first daughter: Donald Trump and Ivanka embrace with Melania watching. The two women are facing claims from a new book by Melania's one-time aide and friend that they have had a long and bitter power struggle
Joining in the applause: The Trump family salute supporters on the South Lawn, after an evening in sweltering heat
'If the Democrat Party wants to stand with anarchists, agitators, rioters, looters, and flag-burners, that is up to them, but I, as your President, will not be a part of it. The Republican Party will remain the voice of the patriotic heroes who keep America Safe,' he said.
'What we can never have in America – and must never allow – is mob rule. In the strongest possible terms, the Republican Party condemns the rioting, looting, arson and violence we have seen in Democrat-run cities like Kenosha, Minneapolis, Portland, Chicago, and New York,' he said.
'There is violence and danger in the streets of many Democrat-run cities throughout America. This problem could easily be fixed if they wanted to. We must always have law and order. All federal crimes are being investigated, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law,' he said.
The president began his remarks with those who had been affected by Hurricane Laura, which was a category four hurricane when it made landfall in Louisiana and Texas in the early hours of Thursday morning.
'We are one national family, and we will always protect, love, and care for each other,' he said.
He acknowledged his wife, first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and then 'all of my other children.'
'And to all of my children and grandchildren, I love you more than words can express. I know my brother Robert is looking down on us right now from heaven. He was a great brother, and was very proud of the job we are all doing. Thank you. We love you, Robert,' he said.
In his remarks, Trump, despite four years in Washington, painted himself as an outsider, an image that helped him win in 2016.
'I did what our political establishment never expected and could never forgive, breaking the cardinal rule of Washington Politics. I kept my promises,' he said.
'Together, we have ended the rule of the failed political class – and they are desperate to get their power back by any means necessary. They are angry at me because instead of putting them first, I put America first,' he added.
He also mentioned his biggest campaign promise from 2016 – his border wall, which has yet to be complete.
'In perhaps no area did the Washington special interests try harder to stop us than on my policy of pro-American immigration. But I refused to back down – and today America's borders are more secure than ever before. We ended catch-and-release, stopped asylum fraud, took down human traffickers who prey on women and children, and we have deported 20,000 Gang Members and 500,000 Criminal Aliens. We have already built 300 miles of Border Wall – and we are adding 10 new miles every single week. The Wall will soon be complete, and it is working beyond our wildest expectations,' he said.
The rest of his remarks were a laundry list of the achievements in his administration: taking on Big Pharma, appointing two justices to the Supreme Court, moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal, and his recent Israel-UAE deal.
He then pivoted back to attacking Biden.
He attacked Biden for his work with China when he was Barack Obama's vice president and repeated his attack line that: 'China would own our country if Joe Biden got elected. Unlike Biden, I will hold them fully accountable for the tragedy they caused.'
He complained Biden's work with China and his role in the NAFTA deal caused the loss of thousands of American jobs. And he got in a jab at one of Biden's greatest strengths, a trait he has shown repeatedly on the campaign trail, his empathy.
'After those Biden calamities, the United States lost 1 in 4 manufacturing jobs. The laid off workers in Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and many other states didn't want Joe Biden's hollow words of empathy, they wanted their jobs back,' he said.
During his speech, there was a remarkable lack of obedience to CDC recommendations on the coronavirus: the guests did not social distance, few wore masks and only a few of them tested for COVID ahead of time.
Row after row of white folding chairs were set up on the lawn, a bottle of water with a red elephant logo on the seats. The chairs are only inches apart. Most of the guests were not wearing masks.
The president came out to check out the stage ahead of his acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination - the end of a week-long convention dedicated to the Trump presidency.
He was seen doing a mic test as guests were starting to arrive. He bent down to speak to a few people in the crowd.
Ivanka Trump arrives to give her speech introducing President Trump on the final night of the Republican National Convention
President Donald Trump checks out the stage and does a mic test ahead of his acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination on Thursday
Row after row of white folding chairs were set up on the South Lawn, with no social distancing
Very few guests in the crowd of 1,500 were wearing face masks
President Trump's speech is the grande finale of the convention
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani poses with a fan on the South Lawn
Barron Trump followed by Charlotte Pence Bond arrive for the president's speech
Trump campaign adviser Lara Trump, White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr and Tiffany Trup arrive for the president's speech
Viktor Knavs and Amalija Knavs, parents of Melania Trump, arrive for the president's speech
Most Republican members of Congress were invited to attend - although it's unclear how many were present. First lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and the adult children of the president also attended along with many high-ranking Republican officials, such as RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said a 'number' of people at the invitation-only event would be tested, which he said was 'pretty safe' given the 'circumstances.'
'There are a number of folks that'll be tested. A number of folks that'll be encouraged to wear masks. And to that extent, I think it's a pretty safe environment given the circumstances,' he told reporters at the White House on Thursday evening before the speeches started.
Asked whether that means some, but not all, attendees will be tested, Meadows replied: 'I didn't say that. ... I chose my words carefully.'
Washington D.C. limits gatherings to 50 people but, because the White House is the property of the federal government, it is not subject to those restrictions.
About five empty rows of chairs in the back were being removed as convention programming prepared to start.
The evening began with a dual set of messages – speakers who praised the intelligence and empathy of President Trump and those who attacked Democrats for going after people's personal liberties.
The opening video of the night, featuring a voice over by actor Jon Voight, railed against Democrats 'telling you what to wear.'
But Ja'Ron Smith, the highest-ranking African American in the White House staff, offered a different portrait than usually seen by people who follow the president on Twitter or watch his TV interviews, here he can come across as angry.
Smith talked about the compassion he saw from President Trump in the wake of the death of black Americans Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and LeGend Taliferro.
'I have seen his true conscience. I just wish every American could see the deep empathy he showed to families whose loved ones were killed in senseless violence,' he said.
It was a different point of view than the one most Americans saw – of President Trump defending the use of the confederate flag and blasting Black Lives Matters' protesters for tearing down statutes with ties to the Confederacy.
Dan Scavino, the deputy White House chief of staff and the only person with President Trump's Twitter password, talked about how Trump saw the potential in him when he was his golf caddy.
'He saw potential in me. A spark. The possibility that I could be more, do more, and achieve more than even I thought was possible,' Scavino said in his pre-taped remarks.
'We all just need somebody to believe in our capacity to do great things. Donald Trump believed in me when I was a teenage golf caddie and he was already one of the wealthiest, most famous people on the planet. He saw my potential, even when I couldn't,' he added.
'He sees greatness in our country, too. And in each of you. He believes the world you dream about at night can be yours,' he added.
Most of the speeches of the night were focused on President Trump and his bid for a second term.
But Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, the only black member of the president's Cabinet, started his speech by mentioning Jacob Blake, the black, 29-year-old father of four who was shot seven times in front of his children by police.
'Before I begin, I'd like to say that our hearts go out to the Blake family and the other families who have been impacted by the tragic events in Kenosha,' he said.
Protests have sparked up around the city and there has been violence in the wake of Blake's shooting, which he survived but is in critical condition.
President Trump has touted himself as the 'law and order' president and threatened to send in federal officials to Kenosha and other cities with Black Lives Matters demonstrations.
Meanwhile, protests took place outside of the White House ahead of the president's speech.
The sounds of blowing horns, playing music and making noise could be heard, according to reports from the South Lawn.
The demonstrations were taking place on Black Lives Matter Plaza, a few blocks from the White House.
Another large protest is planned for Friday outside of the White House in response to the majority of the Republican National Convention taking place in the city this week.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, the only black member of the president's Cabinet, started his speech by mentioning Jacob Blake
Demonstrators march outside the White House during a rally to protest President Donald Trump's acceptance of the Republican National Convention nomination
Hundreds of protesters followed Black Lives Plaza, which is a few blocks from the White House
Protesters were in Washington D.C. Thursday night ahead of President Trump's speech and plan another demonstration for Friday night
Police officers watch demonstrators outside of the White House on Thursday night
Other speakers encouraged voters – even Democratic ones – to support President Trump this fall.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, a Democrat who became a Republican during the impeachment process, praised President Trump's for welcoming him to the GOP.
'I met with President Trump and he made me feel more welcome in the Oval Office than Nancy Pelosi ever made me feel in her caucus… and a few days later, I officially changed parties and became a Republican,' he said.
'Republicans, Independents, and even Democrats, they all know that in President Trump's America, we have a strong military, strong support for our police, strong support for our Veterans and Seniors,' he added.
And Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, the highest-ranking Republican on Capitol Hill, complained Democrats wanted to tell people how many hamburgers they can eat.
'They want to tell you what kind of car you can drive. What sources of information are credible. And even how many hamburgers you can eat,' he said in his pre-taped remarks, given from his home state of Kentucky.
Many in the audience at the White House did not wear masks but some wore 'Make America Great Again' caps
President Trump leans over the stage to talk to supporters ahead of his speech
Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky arrives at the White House for the president's speech
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham arrives at the White House for the speech
There were 1,500 guests invited included Trump family members, elected officials, supporters, first responders and friends
MyPillow CEO Michael Lindell (R) poses for a photo on the South Lawn
Hope Hicks, who serves as a counselor to President Trump, arrives for his speech
The president's supporters walk to the White House for his speech
Christopher Macchio sings from a balcony at the White House as guests arrive for the president's speech
Ja'Ron Smith, the highest-ranking African American in the White House staff, talked about President Trump's compassion in his remarks
White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Dan Scavino talked about how President Trump saw his potential back when he was his golf caddy
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, the highest-ranking Republican on Capitol Hill, complained Democrats wanted to tell people how many hamburgers they can eat
The president is expected to further distinguish himself as the law and order president and the last defense against the radical left threatening the American way as riots continue to ravage Wisconsin in the wake of Jacob Blake's shooting
The looting, arson, murder, violence and general unrest sparked in Kenosha, Wisconsin after Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old father of three, was shot seven times by a white police officer. While he is currently paralyzed from the waist down, it is not clear if the paralysis is permanent
Donald Trump accepts Republican nomination for a second term and calls election 'most important in the history of our country' accusing Joe Biden of leading 'radical movement to destroy' America(93 Picture)
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