Secret Service head says RNC security plans not final as protesters allege free speech restrictions
The head of the U.S. Secret Service says security plans for the Republican National Convention are still being determined as protesters blasted restrictions they claimed will violate free speech with just weeks until the event.
Noem's pitch to aid Trump seems to benefit own campaign fund
Kristi Noem speaks during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP)SIOUX FALLS, S.D. The Republican governor, a close Trump ally, launched a fundraising campaign soon after the election was called for Biden on Saturday. Ryan, a campaign finance lawyer, pointed out that the governor can give a maximum of $2,800 to Trumpโs campaign under federal law. Trump's solicitation, though billed as raising money for his legal fight, notes that half of contributions will go to pay off general election campaign debt.
South Lawn, Rose Garden under repair post-convention
Workers lay sod on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in Washington. The White House South Lawn and its iconic Rose Garden are undergoing extensive re-sodding and other work after last months Republican National Convention turned them into a muddy mess. The Rose Garden repairs come just weeks after the White House completed a major renovation of the garden intended, in part, to improve drainage issues. The day of her speech, Astroturf was placed over the garden lawn because it was deemed a swampy mess. Since the convention, the White House has avoided using the Rose Garden and South Lawn for public events.
Longtime football coach Lou Holtz to get Medal of Freedom
In this image from video, Lou Holtz speaks from Orlando, Fla., during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020.. (Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday he intends to give the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to longtime football coach Lou Holtz. Holtz spent 34 years coaching both college and professional football teams and is perhaps best known for an 11-season stint as Notre Dame's head coach. Holtz ended his career at the University of South Carolina, where he was head coach for six seasons from 1999-2004. Holtz was among those who spoke at last weeks Republican National Convention. In his remarks, Holtz called Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden a Catholic in name only. Biden is a practicing Catholic.
'Skeptical': Ernst suggests COVID numbers are inflated
Experts refute that and new data suggests that the toll is probably significantly higher than the official count. Ernst said she, too, is so skeptical of the official numbers. Of those deaths, 1,125 were reported in Iowa, according to the state website at midday Wednesday. In recent tweets, supporters of QAnon misrepresented CDC figures, stating that the government's health agency had reduced the number of U.S. COVID-19 deaths to just over 9,000. For 6% of the deaths, COVID-19 was the only cause mentioned.
Current events push 'Black Panther,' Fox News to big ratings
ABC had 2.75 million, CBS had 2.4 million, ION Television had 1.3 million, Univision had 1.2 million Fox had 1.1 million and Telemundo had 1 million. Republican National Convention (Thursday), Fox News, 9 million. Republican National Convention (Tuesday), Fox News, 7.9 million. Republican National Convention (Monday), Fox News, 7 million. Republican National Convention (Wednesday), Fox News, 6.9 million.
Health experts decry Trump's shunning of virus rules
With the Washington Monument in the background, a crowd on the South Lawn of the White House watches the Republican National Convention as it plays on a screen on the fourth day of the convention, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
5 Things to Know for Today
President Donald Trump speaks from the South Lawn of the White House on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. TRUMP LASHES BIDEN ON WHITE HOUSE STAGE The president blasts his Democratic rival as a hapless career politician who will endanger Americans safety as he accepts his partys renomination on a packed and largely maskless South Lawn. SHINZO ABE TO STEP DOWN Japans longest-serving prime minister plans to leave office because of declining health, ending an era marked by strong ties with Trump even as Abes ultra-nationalism riled the Koreas and China. WE ARE NOT EVEN TRYING NOW Under military command, Brazils once effective but recently declining investigation and prosecution of rainforest destruction by ranchers, farmers and miners has come to a virtual halt, AP finds.
Texas Republicans had light presence at national convention amid debate over state's battleground status
Dan Patrick opted to stay in Texas, rather than attend the Republican National Convention in person, while Hurricane Laura hit the coast. Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson for The Texas TribuneAfter a Democratic National Convention that raised questions about its limited roles for Texans, the state's Republicans kept a light footprint at their national gathering this week and seemed just fine with it. Dan Patrick, who chairs President Donald Trump's reelection campaign in Texas, said the lack of Texas speakers showed Republicans were not worried about the state. Texas was clearly on Trump's mind as he delivered his first set of remarks at the convention Monday morning. Four years ago, one of the defining storylines of the national GOP convention involved Texas.
As political conventions go virtual, so does the chatter
The pandemic has fundamentally reshaped this year's presidential election, prompting both parties to ditch their traditional arena-style conventions. Instead, what he mostly got in his social media feeds were posts from left-leaning friends, trolls and memes disparaging Republican convention speakers. In South Carolina, one grassroots Trump backer hosted mask-wearing fellow supporters at a watch party in Aiken County. But other Republicans like Emma Scott, a University of South Carolina junior, opted to keep their distance. Scott chairs the South Carolina Federation of College Republicans, which relied on Zoom calls or group messages to stay connected and discuss this weeks speeches.
Health experts decry Trump's shunning of virus rules
Few in the audience wore masks when virtually all leading public health professionals, including the administration's, say face coverings play a big part in slowing virus transmission. Public health officials also expressed concern over a march in Washington on Friday to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Wen, the former Baltimore health official, said the White House event gives the public the false impression that precautions are no longer necessary. Tillis campaign tweeted a picture of the first-term senator wearing a mask on the White House lawn on Thursday before Trumps speech. It was very hard to reconcile those images with what is known about prevention and public health, said Dr. Howard Koh, a public health professor at Harvard and a former assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services under President Barack Obama.
Dissident freed under Obama: Trump 'courage' can stop China
In this image from video, Chen Guancheng speaks from Washington, during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP)A blind Chinese dissident whose escape to the U.S. was facilitated by the Obama administration is calling on other countries to support President Donald Trump in leading a coalition to stop China's aggression.Standing up to fight unfairness is not easy. After six days holed up inside the American embassy in Beijing, he was taken to a nearby hospital. Help my family and me leave safely," Chen said, appealing again for help from U.S. officials. Clinton prevailed on Chinese officials to allow Chen to leave for the U.S., where he lived in New York after his escape.
5 Things to Know for Today
Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands after speaking on the third day of the Republican National Convention at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. PENCE DEFENDS LAW ENFORCEMENT But the vice president made no mention of the Black Americans killed by police this year as he addressed Republican convention proceedings that unfolded amid new protests against racial injustice. ITS BACK TO SCHOOL IN EUROPE Despite a spike in coronavirus infections, authorities want to narrow learning gaps between haves and have-nots that deepened during virus lockdowns and to get their parents back to work. FIGHTING FOR WHATS RIGHT NBA players didnt come to Disney solely for a restart, they wanted social reform and the Milwaukee Bucks set off a chain of postponements in the sports world.
Convention-covering networks challenged by competing stories
Republicans decided the show must go on and, for the most part, television networks followed. The convention is taking place in the shadow of huge stories that are happening right now, CNN's Anderson Cooper said. Networks, after giving extensive coverage to the Democrats last week, are cognizant of being fair to the Republicans. The president has been showing up every night, the president could talk about it. But former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, also a CNN contributor, said Republicans were there to try and reelect President Trump and that has to continue to remain their focus.
GOP's focus on Trump leaves scant room for Congress hopefuls
This isnt a party convention, its a Trump convention, said Rory Cooper, a Republican strategist and former congressional staffer who opposes Trump. If Republicans lose the Senate in November, we should look back at this week as a lost opportunity to introduce the country to more GOP congressional candidates. Scalise made no direct reference to the GOP's faint hopes of regaining the House majority in November's elections. Sean Parnell, a GOP challenger for a Democratic-held seat in western Pennsylvania, didnt specifically ask listeners to award Republicans House control. The inattention to the GOP's congressional efforts might have changed Wednesday when Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, delivered prime-time remarks.
WHAT TO WATCH: Trump's moment, Ivanka and Rudy Giuliani
What to watch on the fourth and final night of the Republican National Convention:TRUMPTrump is scheduled to accept his partys renomination in an address from the White House South Lawn. IVANKAThe president will be introduced by his daughter Ivanka Trump, the fourth of his five children to speak during the convention. RUDYDonald Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani is scheduled to help close out the convention. BIDENThe Democrat has laid low this week but he's scheduled to appear at a virtual fundraiser Thursday. ET (a half-hour earlier than the Democratic convention last week) and runs through 11 p.m.
5 Things to Know for Today
First lady Melania Trump arrives to speak to the 2020 Republican National Convention from the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. FIRST LADY MAKES HER CASE FOR TRUMP VOTE Saying heโs โfighting for you,โ Melania Trump casts her husband as the best hope for America in a Rose Garden address as the president turns to family to boost his reelection chances. COVID-19โS UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE Winter is ending in the Southern Hemisphere and countries like South Africa, Australia, Argentina had a surprise: Their steps against the coronavirus also apparently blocked the flu. โALL A DAUGHTER EVER WANTS IS HER DADโ Families of victims of the Christchurch mosque massacre offer moving tributes while the white supremacist who killed them said he wouldnโt speak before he is sentenced.
Lobster fisher's pro-Trump speech sets off political spat
PORTLAND, Maine A Maine lobster fisher spoke in favor of President Donald Trump's trade policies during the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, earning a rebuke from the state's Democratic party, which faults Trump for hurting the industry. As long as Trump is president, fishing families like mine will have a voice, Joyce said. Maine Democrats said before Joyce's speech on Tuesday that Trump has done more to hurt the lobster fishery than aid it. Trump's trade hostilities with China have taken a valuable market away from the U.S. lobster industry, Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra said. Trumps failed trade war with China upended Maines vital lobster industry and turned hardworking lobstermen and women into collateral damage," Marra said.
Trump's convention gives platform to some with fringe views
In this image from video, Abby Johnson speaks from Washington, during the second night of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. A candidate who has peddled in racist tropes and bizarre QAnon conspiracy theories. President Donald Trump has long surrounded himself with controversial characters who hold out-of-the-mainstream views. Republican Jewish Coalition executive director Matt Brooks applauded the decision, saying her views clearly disqualify her from addressing the convention." So the fact that, in his head he would be more careful around my brown son than my white son, that doesnt actually make me angry.
Dan Crenshaw will make a prime time appearance at the RNC Wednesday. Here's what you need to know about the Houston Republican.
U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, will speak Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention. Credit: REUTERS/Carlos BarriaU.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw will take the stage at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night as the sole GOP elected official from Texas with a prime time speaking slot. Hell appear alongside New York Rep. Elise Stefanik before an address by Vice President Mike Pence. Crenshaw and Stefanik, both 36, are the youngest Republicans members of the House. Heres what you need to know about the Houston Republican:Before running for office in 2018, Crenshaw served 10 years as a Navy SEAL.
The Latest: Noem paints dark picture of US under Dem leaders
Kristi Noem is echoing many of her fellow Republicans dark portrayal of America under Democratic leadership who have spoken at the Republican National Convention this week. But she's doing so as she elevates her national profile with some talk of her running for president in 2024. Noem on Wednesday night broadly cast cities governed by Democrats as being overrun by violent mobs, as many have before her on the two previous nights of the convention. Studies have shown hydroxychloroquine isn't effective against the virus and may even be harmful as a treatment for COVID-19. Also unclear is the status of a speech by former professional football player Jack Brewer.
Guilfoyle's loud RNC speech makes her the comics' favorite
Stephen Colbert mimicked poking his head out from under a table after playing a clip of Guilfoyle on CBS' Late Show." I'm glad we already have kids, because I think I was sterilized by that.He called Guilfoyle a vengeful banshee who will haunt your dreams.On The Daily Show, Trevor Noah said Guilfoyle's speech was so loud that Canada called the cops. I want to wish a speedy recovery for anyone who watched the convention on headphones, he said. MSNBC's Morning Joe ran portions of her speech side-by-side with Dwight Schrute's classic award acceptance speech in The Office.Somewhere, Kimmel was taking notes. That stands in contrast to Colbert, who is doing the Late Show live for the two weeks of the convention.
Black GOP House candidate praises Trump in convention speech
In this image from video, congressional candidate and former NFL player Burgess Owens speaks from Washington, during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Owens, a former NFL player and Fox News commentator, handily won the Republican primary by running to the right of his opponents. The political newcomer is trying to reclaim the suburban Salt Lake City district once held by Mia Love, another Black conservative who was the first Black Republican woman elected to the House. But some Republicans are pushing back on QAnon, and the appearance could become a liability in the swing suburban district. One former Republican state lawmaker called on Owens appearance to be pulled from the convention, saying even the appearance of a connection with QAnon should disqualify him.
Kimberly Guilfoyle says shes a 1st generation American during RNC speech
WASHINGTON (AP) In her Republican National Convention speech, Kimberly Guilfoyle described herself as a first-generation American, citing her mother's Puerto Rican roots. Now, she says, I consider it my duty to protect that dream.The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for clarification. Kimberly Guilfoyle describes herself as a first-generation American, but also notes that her mother is a special education teacher from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Guilfoyle, a Trump campaign adviser, cited her roots to make the case that she knows how dangerous a socialist agenda would be for the nation. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.
Republican Convention takeaways: All Trump, all the time
Here are key takeaways from the first night of the convention:AN OMNIPRESENT CONVENTION PRESENCETrump. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Trump showed he will be omnipresent at the convention, appearing every night and sure to dominate the proceedings. To Trump, the answer to nearly any crisis is almost always more Trump. VIRUS IN REMISSION AT RNCThe Republican National Convention is a testament to the campaign Trump wishes he could run. The speaker ranks on opening night featured familiar Trump validators often featured on his favored cable network, Fox News Channel.
Black Georgia Democrat makes pitch for Trump at RNC
In this image from video, Georgia State Rep. Vernon Jones speaks from Washington, during the first night of the Republican National Convention Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Why is a lifelong Democrat speaking at the Republican National Convention? Polls show a close race in Georgia, where Democrats lean heavily on support from Black voters, adding to the pressure on Trump to peel voters away. Jones first announced his support for Trump this spring and all hell broke loose, he said Monday. Other Georgia Democrats quickly blasted Jones endorsement of Trump.
WHAT TO WATCH: Melania, Pompeo and Trump at GOP convention
What to watch at the convention Tuesday:TRUMPTrump appeared frequently during the first day of his partys convention. THE FIRST LADYFirst lady Melania Trump is set to give the marquee address from the Rose Garden. Her speech at the 2016 GOP convention, the night she introduced herself to voters, was well-received but was later found to have included lines that were very close to what former first lady Michelle Obama said in her 2008 speech at the Democratic convention. Two of the presidents children, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump, are scheduled, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Iowa Gov. BIDENUnlike Trump, who planned events to counter the Democratic convention, the Biden campaign has not scheduled their candidate to make appearances during the GOP gathering.
GOP convention showcases rising stars, dark warnings
As Trump faces pressure to expand his appeal beyond his loyal supporters, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the Senates sole Black Republican, and former U.N. Scrambling to find a message that sticks, Trumps team tried out multiple themes and tactics over the course of the night. The opening night of the four-day convention reflected the rising urgency fueling Trumps push to reshape a presidential contest that he is losing, at least for now, with Election Day just 10 weeks away. In a tweet Monday night, Biden told supporters to stay focused.The emphasis on diversity at Trump's convention was an acknowledgement that he must expand his coalition beyond his largely white base. The fact that the Republicans gathered at all stood in contrast to the Democrats, who held an all-virtual convention last week.
5 Things to Know for Today
Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during the Republican National Convention from the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. SCOTTISH LEADER WINNING PRAISE Nicola Sturgeons calm and sober response to the coronavirus pandemic is standing in contrast to the sometimes-chaotic approach of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. WE HAVE NO WAY TO FORCE THEM OUT Beiruts massive explosion has fueled widespread anger at Lebanons ruling elite, whose corruption and negligence many blame for the disaster. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SAGA PERSISTS The evangelical school said Jerry Falwell Jr., embroiled in a sex scandal, had offered his resignation as president but then reversed course.
The Latest: Democrats slam Pompeo for GOP speech from Israel
WASHINGTON The Latest on the Republican National Convention (all times local):11:15 a.m.Democrats are unloading on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ahead of his planned address to the Republican National Convention from Jerusalem. An aide to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden who has worked for the State Department calls Pompeos Tuesday speech flat out disgraceful. Aide Bill Russo says it's an abuse of taxpayer money.Another top Biden deputy, Kate Bedingfield, blasts Pompeo as President Donald Trumps errand boy and says he has a record of repeated and blatant use of his office for overtly political purposes.Secretaries of state regularly travel abroad on behalf of a U.S. administrations agenda, but Pompeos speech to a party convention from foreign soil is an outlier. Russo mocks Pompeos explanation that he will address the GOP convention on personal time. Russo notes that the speech is still part of official travel and that taxpayer money got him there and is paying for his protection and for the the staff on the ground with him. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and says Pompeos move violates his own policy. Booker referred to Pompeos memos and instructions sent recently to his departments employees.
Teen from video of 2019 Washington protest to address RNC
WASHINGTON A Kentucky teenager known for video of his interaction with a Native American man during dueling demonstrations at the Lincoln Memorial last year is among Tuesday's speakers at the virtual Republican National Convention. Footage of his confrontation with Nathan Phillips, who was participating in a separate demonstration supporting Native American rights, spread widely online. Video of the encounter showed Sandmann and Phillips standing very close to each other, with Sandmann staring, and at times smiling, at Phillips as Phillips sang and played a drum. "The more we talk about the Democrat policies being pushed by Joe Biden and the radical fringe of his party, the better we are. Brayden Harrington, 13, talked about working to overcome his stutter with support from Biden, who had a severe stutter himself as a child.
AP FACT CHECK: Biden's stance on suburbs twisted at RNC
PATRICIA McCLOSKEY: They want to abolish the suburbs altogether by ending single-family home zoning. President Trump smartly ended this government overreach, but Joe Biden wants to bring it back. videotaped remarks to the remote convention. In 2015, during the Obama administration, a regulation took effect intended to ensure that communities confront racial segregation in housing. The rule did not eliminate zoning for single-family homes in the suburbs. But he does not support requiring municipalities to refrain from building single-family homes as a condition for getting money from HUD the heart of the distorted claims by Trump and the McCloskeys.
GOP delegates open convention to renominate Trump for 2020
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, delegates are holding an in-person meeting and roll-call vote in the ballroom of the Charlotte Convention Center before attention turns to prime-time programming. The GOP convention is a crucial moment for Trump, who is trailing in national and battleground state polls and under intense pressure to turn the race around. After the Charlotte kickoff, most of the GOP convention will take place in Washington, D.C., at and around the White House, as well as by video. But first comes the official business" in Charlotte, which the party selected in 2018 to host the convention. They're going to have a hard time garnering attention because weve lived with Trump for so long," Brinkley said.
Trump complains of roll call coverage; nets cut speech off
President Donald Trump points out into the audience after speaking during the first day of the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. President Donald Trump complained about spotty coverage of the roll call vote that renominated him as the Republican candidate for president, and some television networks abandoned Trump's informal, 54-minute acceptance speech for aggressive fact-checking. Democrats turned the traditional roll call vote into a well-received television production, with delegates stationed in their home state or territory to proclaim allegiance to Joe Biden. Republicans had 336 delegates a fraction of the normal amount support Trump at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina. Trump specifically complained about CNN and MSNBC, although he also grumbled that Fox News Channel had announcers talking over the vote.
St. Louis couple, in RNC speech, defend show of weapons
The McCloskey case drew Trump's attention, especially after Democratic St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner filed felony unlawful use of a weapon charges in July. A police probable cause statement said protesters feared being injured due to Patricia McCloskeys finger being on the trigger, coupled with her excited demeanor." They broke the gate down, Patricia McCloskey said on Fox & Friends." They had weapons, they had fire material.Mark McCloskey said on the Fox News program that Democrat-controlled St. Louis is a very dangerous place, and the statistics back him up. The people of St. Louis expect me to pursue equal justice under the law without fear or favor, and that is what I intend to do.Gardner, St. Louis first Black circuit attorney, was elected in 2016 and appears headed to another term.
North Carolina to relax 10-person limit for GOP convention
FILE - In this July 21, 2016, file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump smiles as he addresses delegates during the final day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. North Carolina public health officials told the Republican National Committee the party can have more than 10 people in a room to conduct official convention business while in Charlotte. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)RALEIGH, N.C. North Carolina will ease gathering restrictions for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte this month after a push by the national party for the state to be more accommodating. The RNC has estimated it would have no more than 500 delegates per day at the Charlotte Convention Center and the Westin hotel. The back-and-forth between the state and RNC comes amid a months-long battle between Trump and North Carolina's Democratic governor.
No hoopla: Virus upends Trump, Biden convention plans
Ill probably do mine live from the White House, Trump said, but he also said it was not locked in. If I use the White House, we save tremendous amounts of money for the government in terms of security, traveling," he said. Biden has been on the convention stage twice as the vice presidential nominee for Barack Obama. Those kinds of effects and approaches could be repeated even without a traditional convention stage in an arena or stadium. Four years later, he walked out to a full outdoor stadium a remarkable scene in the annals of presidential conventions in Denver.
No hoopla: Virus upends Trump, Biden convention plans
Roy Cooper, a Democrat, who wouldnt guarantee the state would lift restrictions on large crowds like the scenes inside a presidential convention arena. Ill probably do mine live from the White House, Trump said, but he also said it was not locked in. Biden has been on the convention stage twice as the vice presidential nominee for Barack Obama. Those kinds of effects and approaches could be repeated even without a traditional convention stage in an arena or stadium. Four years later, he walked out to a full outdoor stadium a remarkable scene in the annals of presidential conventions in Denver.
GOP: Renomination of Trump to be held in private
WASHINGTON The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month, without members of the press present, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Convention said, citing the coronavirus. While Trump called off the public components of the convention in Florida last month, citing spiking cases of the virus across the country, 336 delegates are scheduled to gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Aug. 24 to formally vote to make Trump the GOP standard-bearer once more. If the GOP decision stands, it will be the first party nominating convention in modern history to be closed to reporters. Given the health restrictions and limitations in place within the state of North Carolina, we are planning for the Charlotte activities to be closed press Friday, August 21 Monday, August 24, a convention spokeswoman said. The subset of delegates in Charlotte will be casting proxy votes on behalf of the more than 2,500 official delegates to the convention.
Gov. Greg Abbott will miss Republican National Convention to deal with coronavirus
Dan Patrick, left, plans to attend the Republican Party's national 2020 convention in place of Gov. Greg Abbott, right, who will remain in Texas to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Greg Abbott will skip the Republican National Convention later this month in North Carolina as he continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic in Texas, and Lt. Gov. "It was an honor being selected to serve as Chair of the Texas Delegation for the 2020 Republican National Convention," Abbott wrote. Abbott also missed the Republican National Convention in 2016.
Trump calls off Florida segment of GOP National Convention
Trump and his advisers feared that going forward with big parties and infomercial programming in Florida would ultimately backfire on the president. Trump said he plans to deliver his nomination acceptance speech in an alternate form still to be determined perhaps online. "Im grateful for him and his leadership, and this was the right way to move forward.Joe Gruters, current chair of the Florida Republican Party and a state senator from Sarasota, called it a selfless move." The Charlotte City Council voted in April to accept a $50 million federal grant for convention security. City Attorney Patrick Baker said the city had spent $14 million prepping for the convention so far but expected Charlotte to get reimbursed through the grant.
WATCH LIVE: President Donald Trump gives update on coronavirus response in US
Republicans wanted $25 billion but the Trump administration said the $9 billion in unspent funds from a previous aid deal was sufficient. Despite deep differences among Republicans, McConnell is trying to push forward with what he calls a starting point in negotiations with Democrats. Were still on the 20-yard line? Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, referring to White House comments. Where have the Republicans been?The White House negotiators, Mnuchin and Mark Meadows, the presidents acting chief of staff, arrived late at the Capitol. Were still struggling.Congress approved a massive $2.2 trillion aid package in March, the biggest of its kind in U.S. history.
Trump calls off Florida segment of GOP National Convention
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled segments of the Republican National Convention scheduled for Florida next month, citing a flare-up of the coronavirus. To have a big convention is not the right time," Trump said of Jacksonville. Trump moved parts of the GOP convention to Florida last month amid a dispute with North Carolinas Democratic leaders over holding an event indoors with maskless supporters. But those plans were steadily scaled back as virus cases spiked in Florida and much of the country over the last month. A small subset of GOP delegates will still gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, to formally renominate Trump on Aug. 24.
It's Trump's call on what the GOP convention will look like
FILE - In this July 21, 2016, file photo Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump smiles as he addresses delegates during the final day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. After a venue change, spiking coronavirus cases and a sharp recession, Trump aides and allies are increasingly questioning whether its worth the trouble, and some are advocating that the convention be scrapped all together. Already the 2020 event has seen a venue change - to more Trump-friendly territory in Jacksonville, Florida, from Charlotte, North Carolina -- and it has been drastically reduced in scope. For technical reasons, the convention will be unable to formally adopt a new party platform. Despite the economic downturn, GOP officials insist they will have the financial resources needed to hold the convention.
GOP picks Jacksonville, Florida, for Trump convention speech
FILE - In this July 21, 2016, file photo, confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Jacksonville, Florida, has been selected to host the celebration marking President Donald Trumps acceptance of his partys nomination for reelection, the Republican National Committee chairwoman said Thursday. The governor of North Carolina, the official host of this summers Republican National Convention, had balked at promising Trump a full-blown convention in Charlotte free from social distancing measures during the coronavirus pandemic. We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion in the great city of Jacksonville, McDaniel said. Not only does Florida hold a special place in President Trumps heart as his home state, but it is crucial in the path to victory in 2020.
Trump looks elsewhere after GOP convention spat with NC gov
Trump and the RNC had demanded that the August convention be allowed to move forward with a full crowd and that participants not have to wear face coverings. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority.A traditional GOP convention brings together roughly 2,500 delegates, the same number of alternate delegates and many times more guests, journalists and security personnel. They agreed to continue talking about ways to have a safe convention in Charlotte.But Cooper made clear to Trump that those conditions would likely be impossible to accommodate. The RNC's leader, Ronna McDaniel accused Cooper of dragging his feet on giving them guidance for proceeding with convention plans. Tennessee's Bill Lee said GOP officials were coming to scout Nashville on Thursday.
Trump says GOP is pulling convention from North Carolina
We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and its unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe, Cooper tweeted in response to the decision. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority.A traditional GOP convention brings together roughly 2,500 delegates, the same number of alternate delegates and many times more guests, journalists and security personnel. The Republican governors of states including Tennessee, Florida and Georgia had said they would be interested in hosting if North Carolina fell through. Changing sites had been seen as difficult for reasons including the contract between GOP officials and Charlotte leaders to hold the convention there. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller in Washington; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tenn.; Jonathan Drew in Durham, North Carolina; and Tom Foreman Jr. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, contributed to this report.