It's finally here. More than 50,000 people are expected to descend on downtown Milwaukee beginning today for the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Delegates will gather and socialize, important party decisions will be made, and the huge political event will culminate Thursday with Donald Trump formally accepting the GOP's nomination for president.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Everything RNC: Here's What You Need To Know As Convention Comes To Milwaukee
- How The RNC Could Impact Your Commute And Travel Plans
- MCTS Provides List Of Detours For Routes Affected By RNC Security Perimeter
- Don't Get Towed: Map Shows Parking Restrictions For RNC
- Asking You: What Do You Want To Know About The RNC?
TMJ4 News has been planning for months and over the next four days we will work to cover not only the delegates and their candidates for president and VP, but also seek out voices not often included in American political events.
Check back often throughout the day on this live blog for the latest updates from our many crews covering the RNC in downtown Milwaukee.
Live updates:
9:01 p.m. — Former President Donald Trump made an appearance at RNC
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump made an unexpected appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday night, in his first public appearance since being shot at onstage at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday.
6:27 p.m. — Traffic backups plague drivers on Day 1 of RNC
A tale of woe: Alberto Gonzalez owns Gonzo’s Pizza Cones food truck, and was trying to get in the RNC security perimeter today. He came from Hales Corners and said his entire journey took three hours.
As he made it to the checkpoint, they told him he had to go to a different one and turn around.
Get more information on the RNC security perimeter and restrictions in our "Everything RNC" guide.
6:08 p.m. — RNC Day 1: Evening floor session underway
The evening floor session of Day 1 of the RNC is underway, where we're expecting to hear from several high-profile speakers.
Watch the floor session live below:
5:51 p.m. — Where should Trump eat when he's in Milwaukee?
With Donald Trump spending the next few nights in Milwaukee because of the Republican National Convention, Digital Reporter James Groh wanted to know where people would take him to eat if they got dinner together.
Some of the answers included: Culver's, Real Chili, and The Edison.
Watch: These are the restaurants people suggested Trump should eat at while he visits Milwaukee:
5:30 p.m. — Volunteers come from all over the nation to help out at RNC
Thousands of volunteers are needed at the RNC, and they're working hard to make sure this major event goes off without a hitch.
TMJ4's Elaine Rojas-Castillo spoke with volunteers like Mary Meurer of Shorewood, who says the RNC is a "big deal" for Milwaukee and that volunteering was an easy way to help out.
Watch: Elaine Rojas-Castillo talks volunteers at 2024 RNC:
4:49 p.m. — Jill Stein among Poor People's Army protesters planning march toward Fiserv Forum
The Poor People's Army, a group based in Philadelphia, is planning to march from Milwaukee's King Park toward Fiserv Forum, "with or without [a] permit."
Among the protesters in the group is Jill Stein, the Green Party's candidate for president. Stein also ran for president in 2012 and 2016.
The Poor People’s Army is "a nonviolent Army of poor and working people, led by poor people, fighting for our survival by any means necessary," according to a press release.
4:41 p.m. — Democratic reaction pours in to Trump's VP pick, J.D. Vance
TMJ4 News has received several statements from Democratic groups responding to former President Trump's selection of Sen. J.D. Vance as his VP pick. Here's a sampling:
“Donald Trump picked J.D. Vance as his running mate because Vance will do what Mike Pence wouldn’t on January 6: bend over backwards to enable Trump and his extreme MAGA agenda, even if it means breaking the law and no matter the harm to the American people. As Trump’s running mate, Vance will make it his mission to enact Trump’s Project 2025 agenda at the expense of American families. This is someone who supports banning abortion nationwide while criticizing exceptions for rape and incest survivors; railed against the Affordable Care Act , including its protections for millions with preexisting conditions; and has admitted he wouldn’t have certified the free and fair election in 2020." - Biden Harris campaign
“The stakes of this election just got impossibly higher. In the years since J.D. Vance called Trump out as ‘reprehensible,’ he’s managed to reinvent himself as a MAGA true believer, praising Trump’s extreme Project 2025 agenda for including ‘good ideas’ and coming out in force for a national abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest. Meanwhile, we know Trump’s true test for a Vice President: a willingness to betray an oath and violate our Constitution in order to keep Trump in power." - Democratic Party of Wisconsin
"Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance for his running mate is a blatant disregard for the values of young Americans. Young people prioritize tackling the climate crisis, achieving economic justice, and safeguarding reproductive rights. Vance, who has received over $300,000 from oil and gas interests and profits heavily from fossil fuel investments, stands starkly against everything we believe in." - NextGen America
4:25 p.m. — Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow: Vance 'exciting addition' to ticket
In an interview on the RNC floor with Charles Benson, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow says that Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance will make for an "exciting" addition to the Republican 2024 ticket.
Farrow says that Vance's experience in the military and the IT field will make him a compelling choice for voters.
Watch: Paul Farrow says Sen. Vance's military, IT experience makes him a great choice for VP:
Farrow also noted that Vance's age (39) is a good complement to the field, with both Joe Biden (81) and Donald Trump (78) advancing in years.
"He is the youngest vice presidential nominee, from my understanding," Farrow said.
4:17 p.m. — Vance officially nominated at RNC
(AP) — Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted put forward Sen. JD Vance as the vice presidential nominee at the Republican National Convention hours after Trump’s announcement.
“JD is a living embodiment of the American dream,” Husted said. “He came from humble beginnings.”
The crowd chanted in response, “JD! JD!”
Bernie Moreno, the Republican candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Ohio, seconded the motion for the convention to nominate Vance.
He was officially nominated by voice vote.
2:36 p.m. — Donald Trump Jr. tells Charles Benson his father is 'doing great' after assassination attempt
TMJ4's Charles Benson ran into Donald Trump Jr. on the floor of Fiserv Forum during today's roll call of states.
Benson asked Trump Jr. how his father was doing after Saturday's attempt on his life.
Watch: Donald Trump Jr. says his father is "doing great."
He flashed Benson a thumbs up and said his father is "doing great, thank you."
Former President Trump arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday after Saturday's assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.
2:28 p.m. — Republican delegates officially nominate Trump for president
Former President Donald Trump has officially secured the 2024 Republican presidential nomination after receiving support from a majority of delegates Monday at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
This marks the third consecutive time Trump has won the GOP presidential nomination after also being chosen as his party's nominee in the 2016 and 2020 elections. While it comes as no surprise, the largely procedural nomination process solidifies Trump's name atop the Republican ticket as President Joe Biden's opponent in the November presidential election.
Read more details from Scripps News.
2:11 p.m. — Trump announces J.D. Vance as pick for VP
Former President Donald Trump has announced that Ohio Senator J.D. Vance will be his pick for Vice President.
Vance was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022.
Before politics, Vance attended Yale Law School and worked at a corporate law firm before moving to San Francisco to become a venture capitalist.
Vance wrote "Hillbilly Elegy," a best-selling memoir-turned-Netflix movie about working-class America. He was a frequent critic of Donald Trump, telling Charlie Rose in 2016, "I never liked him."
Trump broke the news on Truth Social.
2:00 p.m. — Roll call of states underway on RNC floor
The RNC floor session is underway, and the roll call of each states has begun.
Each state will commit its delegates to a candidate. All of those delegates are expected to be pledged to Donald Trump. Nikki Haley won two contests during primary season, but she has already released her delegates to be pledged to the former president.
12:43 p.m. — Protesters on the move down Water Street in Milwaukee:
Protesters have begun marching and are making their way down Water Street.
TMJ4's Gideon Verdin sent us these pictures:
There are law enforcement officers along the marching path, but they do not appear to be trying to stop demonstrators.
Those protesters can be heard chanting "hey, hey, ho, ho, Republicans have got to go."
12:34 p.m. — Wisconsin delegates gather for breakfast:
The first Wisconsin Delegation Breakfast was Monday morning. Delegates from across the state gathered to hear remarks from RNC surrogates, including Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming.
TMJ4's Sydni Eure says the event was a sea of red clothing and that the meal was opened with a prayer.
Watch: Wisconsin Delegation Breakfast includes remarks from RNC surrogates:
Sydni says Schimming used the breakfast as a chance to reflect and focus on unity. He says even though this is the Republican National Convention, it's also "a convention of unity."
Sydni spoke to some delegates who came away from the breakfast feeling inspired and excited about the week to come. After breakfast wrapped up, many of those delegates headed over to the first official session at Fiserv Forum, which started at 11:30.
12:28 p.m. — Watching for former President Donald Trump at the Pfister:
TMJ4's Mary Jo is outside the Pfister Hotel keeping an eye out for former President Donald Trump. The presumptive Republican presidential candidate arrived downtown Sunday night.
Watch: Tall fences surround Pfister Hotel, where former President Trump is staying
Mary Jo has seen a lot of security, including Secret Service and Milwaukee Police. The area includes a vehicle checkpoint.
Trump's arrival comes just days after an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Despite the shooting, Secret Service says there won't be significant changes to the existing security measures.
12:22 p.m. — Massive delays for vehicles entering security perimeter
TMJ4's Jenna Rae reports that you should expect to spend up to two hours if you're trying to get a vehicle into the RNC security perimeter today.
Watch: Video shows massive backups downtown as vehicles attempt to enter security perimeter:
There are a total of five vehicle security checkpoints for any traffic looking to get into the vehicle screening perimeter (yellow on the map below). Each vehicle is searched by security agents before they can enter.
Pedestrians are allowed to enter the yellow area on the map without being screened. No vehicles are allowed within the red zone on the map below.
12:04 p.m. — Sen. Ron Johnson: It's a 'good thing' Trump is changing his big speech
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, tells TMJ4 News he’s encouraged to hear that former President Donald Trump is revising his speech after Saturday’s attempted assassination, in an attempt to unite the country.
Watch: Sen. Ron Johnson tells TMJ4 assassination attempt is "life-changing":
“It’s a life-changing event for the president, and I think he’s taking that life-changing event and recognizing this can’t continue in this country so he’s calling for healing and unifying, and that’s a good thing. I’ve been calling for it for a couple years,” Johnson said.
11:40 a.m. — Milwaukee Area Labor Council issues statement on first day of RNC
The Milwaukee Area Labor Council released a statement calling Republican policies "detrimental to workers and unions." The Council specifically calls out Project 2025, which council members call a "900-page blueprint for radical right-wing change in our country."
President Pam Fendt goes on to say, "This election in November is not about 2 men, it is about who has the better policy platform for the people, and we know the Republican agenda favors corporations over workers."
Read the full press release here:
Milwaukee Area Labor Council statement on RNC by TMJ4 News on Scribd
11:22 a.m. — Report: Trump to announce VP pick today
Former President Donald Trump will reportedly announce his choice for vice president on Monday, the first day of the Republican National Convention.
Fox News anchor Bret Baier said he spoke with Trump, who told him that the announcement will be made and there are "other surprises to come."
Watch: These are the top contenders for Trump's pick for Vice President:
Four men are reportedly the top contenders for the job: Sen. Marco Rubio. Sen. J.D. Vance, Sen. Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
Get information about each of the four top contenders here.
10:57 a.m. — Protesters gathered at Red Arrow Park
After leaving Haymarket Square Park, Gideon Verdin found the protesters - congregated at downtown's Red Arrow Park.
Hundreds of Protesters are gathered at Red Arrow Park Right now in Milwaukee for the #RNC2024 @tmj4 pic.twitter.com/iMaee539yj
— Gideon WVW (@GidTruth) July 15, 2024
Watch: TMJ4's Brendyn Jones shares video of protesters at Red Arrow Park:
10:49 a.m. — No activity yet at one of RNC's protest zones
TMJ4 reporter Gideon Verdin shared this photo of an empty Haymarket Square Park, located just north of Fiserv Forum at W. McKinley Ave. and N. MLK Jr. Dr.
Haymarket Square Park is one of two designated zones for RNC protesters. The City is allowing speeches from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily.
9:58 a.m. — Voters react to the RNC day one theme: 'Make America Wealthy Again'
Day one of the Republic National Convention is underway. The theme for the day is ‘Make America Wealthy Again.’
TMJ4 Reporter Sydni Eure spoke with voters about it. Many shared a desire for a more stable economy.
Watch: Sydni Eure talks to voters about RNC theme "Make America Wealthy Again"
“The last four years has been difficult,” said Tim Hawkins, voter. “The stock market has been good. Our market's been strong, but our cost-of-living has gone up a lot and we feel that and we’re about to become a fixed income household and that’s scary.”
Read Sydni Eure's full story here.
7:00 a.m. — Campaign calling on Republicans to "defend unborn children" begins today.
Created Equal, a pro-life group, is calling on Republicans to "defend unborn children." The group plans to fly an aerial tow-banner with a picture of an fetus aborted at 15-weeks. The banner will feature the phrase "VOTE ANTI-ABORTION." Created Equal plans to fly the banner all four days of the convention — you can see a picture of it here.
In a statement, organization president Mark Harrington said, "with many Republican candidates sofftening their positions on abortion, pro-life voters need to know they have a home with the GOP. The RNC needs to know if the GOP weakens its platform on abortion, pro-life Americans may opt out of this election. We demand the Republican Party continue to defend the pre-born."
6:30 a.m. — Mayor Cavalier Johnson gives his first daily morning press conference on the first day of the RNC:
Mayor Cavalier Johnson will give a daily press conference each morning of the RNC. He'll share information about transportation, public safety, and any anticipated disruptions.
You can watch the first press conference below:
6:22 a.m. — Secret Service Statement on former president Donald Trump assassination attempt:
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle released a statement following the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump over the weekend.
She said, in part, "Since the shooting, I have been in constant contact with Secret Service personnel in Pennsylvania who worked to maintain the integrity of the crime scene until the FBI assumed its role as the lead investigating agency into the assassination attempt."
"I am confident in the security plan our Secret Service RNC coordinator and our partners have put in place, which we have reviewed and strengthened in the wake of Saturday’s shooting," she continued.
Read her full statement here.
4:45 a.m. — Security is in place and lines are long
Security for the RNC is now in place and getting into any of the convention venues can take a while.
Brendyn Jones sent us this video of himself and photographer West Hawkins going through security — which includes dogs and officers.
Brendyn says it took him and West about 45 minutes to get to this check point. Plan your travels carefully!
See all of TMJ4's Republican National Convention coverage here.
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