Live updates: Republican National Convention 2024 in Milwaukee; RNC Day 4 schedule, Trump speech

It's the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention — and it's going to be a big one.

Former president Donald Trump will be making his long-awaited speech Thursday night after being officially nominated as the GOP presidential candidate in the November election against President Joe Biden.

It comes just days after he was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally Saturday in Pennsylvania.

The Journal Sentinel is providing live coverage, so you can follow along here for updates throughout the day. Be sure to refresh your browser often for the latest info.

Kid Rock arrives in Milwaukee, warming up at Fiserv

Singer and rapper Robert James Ritchie — better known as Kid Rock — posted a video on X Thursday afternoon, saying he’d just arrived in Milwaukee, writing, “RNC 2024!! Tonight!!”

Although the official schedule for the last day of the convention doesn’t yet list a musical performance, a TMJ4 reporter posted a video of him rehearsing at Fiserv Forum, complete with patriotic lights, backup musicians and a visible “Trump Vance” sign. NBC News in Chicago reported him as performing at 9:03 p.m. Thursday.

Michigan-born Kid Rock made his name in the music industry with the release of his album “Devil Without a Cause” in 1998, since making music that mixes hip hop, rap and country genres. His most listened-to song on Spotify is “All Summer Long,” which he released in 2008.

He’s leaned into conservative politics in recent years, aligning himself with former Trump’s causes. Recently, he donated $50,000 to an online fundraiser for “supporters and families wounded or killed” in the Saturday shooting at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.

In his video on X, he said he’s in Milwaukee “to support our tried and true, red, white and blue, 100% American badass president.”

(1:40 p.m.)

— Madeline Heim

Milwaukee Public Market business picking up

Activity at Milwaukee Public Market appears noticeably busier during Thursday’s lunch hour compared to the same period Tuesday.Executive Director Paul Schwartz said both Wednesday and Thursday are better days compared to earlier this week. Some of that is tied to more business from first responders, he said.Operators of two Milwaukee Street restaurants — Cubanitas and Brunch It Up — made similar comments.

(1:05 p.m.)— Tom Daykin

Former Wisconsin GOP congressman Scott Klug impressed with Vance's speech

Former Wisconsin Republican congressman Scott Klug stopped by Wisconsin Media Row Thursday afternoon to talk about JD Vance’s Wednesday night speech.

“I think he really came across more so than I expected as a full-throated Midwesterner,” Klug said, adding he was “impressed” by the speech.

Vance formally accepted his nomination as the GOP vice-presidential candidate Wednesday. During his speech, he said the moment was about “all of us,” including the “auto worker in Michigan, wondering why out-of-touch politicians are destroying their jobs” and “the factory worker in Wisconsin who makes things with their hands and is proud of American craftsmanship.”

Trump is hoping the Ohio senator and “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” author can appeal to voters in rust-belt states.

“It just seems to me like a real moment and, if he plays like that on the campaign trail, he’ll be an asset throughout the sort of Upper Midwest, from Pennsylvania to Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin,” Klug said. “I think that's why they picked him.”

(12:55 p.m.)

— Rachel Hale

Melania, Ivanka Trump will be at RNC Thursday night, reports say

Ever since the start of the convention, political observers from both parties have wondered: Where is former President Donald Trump's wife, Melania? And where's his daughter and former adviser, Ivanka?

Now, it looks like Milwaukee can expect to see both Melania and Ivanka on its final day.

USA TODAY, citing unnamed officials, reported Thursday that Melania Trump will be in attendance when her husband formally accepts the GOP’s nomination tonight and is expected to be seated in the family box at the RNC. Officials didn't provide additional details of her arrival, or say whether she would speak to the delegates.

Meanwhile, Eric Trump, son of the former president, told Tony Dokoupil of "CBS Mornings" that both Melania and Ivanka Trump will be at the RNC in Milwaukee Thursday.

“They’re coming in full force and effect, so they’ll certainly be here,” Eric Trump said.

(12:30 p.m.)

Read more

— Jane Park

Who's speaking at the RNC Thursday? Who are the RNC speakers tonight?

The final official session of the convention, in which Trump will accept his nomination as the Republican candidate for president, begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m.

Here's the list of speakers for the final night of the convention:

5:30 to 6 p.m.

• Sen. Steve Daines (Montana)

• Rep. Richard Hudson (North Carolina), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee

6 to 6:30 p.m.

• Diane Hendricks, co-founder of the Beloit-based ABC supply

• Linda McMahon, former administrator, Small Business Administration

• Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State

6:30 to 7 p.m.

• Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church in Detroit

• Steve Witkoff, real estate investor, landlord and longtime friend of Trump, and Zach Witkoff

7 to 7:30 p.m.

• Alina Habba, Trump's attorney

• Tucker Carlson, former host of "Tucker Carlson Tonight" on Fox News

7:30 to 8 p.m.

• Hulk Hogan, professional entertainer and wrestler

8 to 9 p.m.

• Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

• Eric Trump, Trump's son

• Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship

9 to 10:30 p.m.

• Former President Donald Trump

Read more

(12:30 p.m.)

— Madeline Heim

The north protest zone has been mostly quiet

Haymarket Square was empty of protesters Thursday morning. Staff with Milwaukee's Office of Community Wellness and Safety and local firefighters milled about the park, which is available for demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"It's better to have and not need than need and not have," said Community Wellness and Safety Director Ashanti Hamilton of the space, which is one of two designated protest zones.

He said Haymarket had been consistently slow after the first day of the convention, adding that protestors had largely found other ways to make their voices heard, including through demonstrations at Red Arrow Park and near checkpoints inside the RNC security zone, which Hamilton said have more built-in audiences.

Two protests are scheduled at Haymarket Thursday afternoon.

(12:20 p.m.)

— La Risa Lynch and Steve Martinez

Beloit billionaire Diane Hendricks called 'everyday American' before her Thursday night speech

Billionaire Diane Hendricks, one of the richest people in Wisconsin, will apparently be speaking as an "everyday American" when she takes the stage Thursday at the RNC.

Hendricks is the co-founder of ABC Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of roofing supplies and a major distributor of siding and windows in North America. She has an estimated net worth of $20.9 billion, and the 77-year-old topped the 2024 Forbes' list of richest self-made women in America — the seventh year in a row she's led the list.

But according to the list of RNC speakers, provided by a source familiar with the lineup, Hendricks will be speaking as an "everyday American" on Thursday, the final night of the convention.

Read more

(12:10 p.m.)

— Mary Spicuzza and Maia Pandey

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson claps back after U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden says he’s done a ‘horrible’ job

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has been stressing unity during the RNC this week.

But Johnson couldn’t resist clapping back at Wisconsin Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden when Van Orden told Urban Milwaukee that the Democratic mayor is doing a “horrible job” leading Wisconsin’s largest city.

"This place has the potential to be a world class, awesome city that it should be, but unfortunately Cavalier Johnson has done a horrible job running this place,” Van Orden told Urban Milwaukee.

Johnson responded on X, “I hope that Mr. Van Orden’s visit to Milwaukee was more memorable than his visit to the United States Capitol on January 6th.”

Van Orden has acknowledged attending the Trump rally that preceded the Jan. 6 insurrection but said he left when the riot began.

(11:15 a.m.)

— Mary Spicuzza and Lawrence Andrea

Journal Sentinel's Kristin Brey, JR Radcliffe preview Thursday at RNC; Rachel Bernhard talks about RNC's impact on downtown businesses

Late-night TV talked a lot about the RNC Wednesday. But not a lot about its host city.

The late-night television talk shows had much to say Wednesday night about the second and third days of the RNC in Milwaukee. But they didn't have a lot to say about Milwaukee.

The late-night hosts poked fun at JD Vance’s beard, the RNC hip-hop anthem “Trump Trump Baby” and the appearance of Babydog, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s charming, 60-pound bulldog.

But Milwaukee? You'd hardly know the RNC was in the city.

The only notable mention of Milwaukee was on "The Daily Show," which briefly mentioned the city in a recurring bit where correspondents reported “live” from Milwaukee. The punchline? None of "The Daily Show" crew was actually in Milwaukee.

More than halfway through the segment, host Ronny Chieng introduced correspondent Michael Kosta, who appeared to speak in front of a digital backdrop of Fiserv Forum, and asked him how things were going in Milwaukee.

“I know we canceled all our shows here this week, but I’m glad that I got to stay here in Milwaukee, which is where I am,” said Kosta.

On Sunday, following the assassination attempt targeting Trump in Pennsylvania, "The Daily Show" canceled plans to record its shows live in Milwaukee during the RNC, citing "logistical issues and the evolving situation in Milwaukee."

Tuesday night on "The Daily Show," host Jon Stewart said the show's plans had changed because the place they planned to stage the show, the Marcus Performing Arts Center, had been shifted into the hard security perimeter.

(A Journal Sentinel fact check found that he claim was wrong: The boundaries of the security perimeter had not changed after the shooting, and the Marcus Center was still in the soft security zone.)

Read more

(10:50 a.m.)

— Jane Park

Melania Trump expected to be in family box Thursday night

There's a mystery guest for Trump's acceptance speech: Former first lady Melania Trump.

The low-profile spouse is expected to be in the family box for her husband's remarks, officials said, but they wouldn't otherwise comment on her activities. She has no public schedule.

Melania Trump has rarely be seen in public during her husband's 2024 campaign; she did issue a lengthy written statement after Saturday's assassination attempt.

“A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion — his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration,” she wrote.

Read more about Melania Trump

(10:40 a.m.)

— David Jackson, USA TODAY

Democrats reinforce their support for Biden

Democrats Thursday morning doubled down on their support for Biden, who tested positive for COVID Wednesday afternoon.

In a press conference in Milwaukee, Quentin Fulks, the principal deputy campaign manager for the Biden-Harris campaign, said Biden is planning to stay in the race, despite calls for him to step down.

"Our campaign is not working through any scenarios where President Biden is not the top of the ticket," Fulks said. "He is and will be the Democratic nominee."

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla of California said Biden is committed to continuing his campaign.

"He's committed to winning in November, because we want to continue the progress we've made on his leadership," he said. "And because we know the dangers of Donald Trump."

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said Biden's road to victory this fall runs through Wisconsin, and he will continue his support for the president as well.

"My fellow Wisconsinites and myself know that we're going to vote and we're going to vote to keep (Biden) there in November," Crowley said. "Because we know exactly what is on the mind. We know that we have to protect our democracy because there is no other option."

The speakers also highlighted Project 2025, the platform of issues that is being tied to Trump. Democrats have repeatedly criticized the plan, attempting to draw the eyes of voters to what they say are concerning plans Trump would implement in office.

"This is what this election is about. It is not about Joe Biden's age. It's not about Donald Trump's age to be honest with you. It is about their vision for this country for a second term," Fulks said. "Project 2025 is a blueprint that Donald Trump himself has aligned and instructed people to put together for what his agenda would be and we think that American voters deserve to know that ahead of November."

(10:15 a.m.)

— Laura Schulte

National bus tour promoting abortion access to stop in Milwaukee Thursday

The “Ride to Decide” bus tour, put on by the group Free & Just, which advocates for reproductive freedom, will stop in Milwaukee at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Tour speakers will highlight the consequences of abortion bans across the country and “will set the record straight as conservatives at the Republican National Convention attempt to distance themselves from their long and shameful record of attacking access to abortion and reproductive health care,” according to a press release from the group.

Speakers include a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin, a former Planned Parenthood chaplain and nurses and doctors from the Milwaukee area. The group has been handing out contraceptives as the bus travels the country.

The word "abortion" has rarely been uttered at the convention. Republicans released a party platform last week that deflected on the issue of abortion rights, leaving anti-abortion groups who wanted to implement a more aggressive stance frustrated. The weaker position may reflect concerns that the issue of abortion is a political loser for Republicans and could hurt Trump and other Republican candidates in November.

Democrats, meanwhile, say abortion rights are still under attack.

In Wisconsin, the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022 reverted the state to an 1849 law banning almost all abortions. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed abortion services in September 2023, citing a comment from a Dane County judge who said the 1849 law appeared to apply to feticide, not consensual abortion.

Both an appeal of that ruling, and a petition from Planned Parenthood to find a right to abortion in the state constitution, are pending before the state Supreme Court.

(10 a.m.)

— Madeline Heim

Sen. Ron Johnson predicts Trump speech to unify after life-changing experience

Thursday morning, during the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s God and Country Breakfast at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson shared what he hoped to hear from Trump’s speech Thursday night.

Johnson explained how the assassination attempt Saturday in Pennsylvania might shape the speech.

“That would change your life," Johnson said. "I think we're getting indications from President Trump that his life has been changed. I mean, I think we all here think this is probably something whispered in his ear.

“He turned his head. He looked at the chart. His life was spared. And now he has a new lease on life and he can put it to good use.”

Johnson said he's praying that Trump will deliver a message of unity.

“Our nation needs to be healed and unified, and we have to lead the way. That's got to be our mission. It is our solemn duty to preserve this marvelous land.”

(9:50 a.m.)

— Mike De Sisti

Hulk Hogan's going to speak at RNC Thursday night, brother

Retired American wrestling star Hulk Hogan will speak Thursday night at the Republican National Convention, ahead of a highly anticipated speech from former president Donald Trump.

MSNBC first reported Thursday morning that Hogan, who has occasionally tossed around political aspirations after retiring from wrestling in 2012, would join the lineup of convention speakers in Milwaukee. Trump is expected to accept his nomination tonight as the GOP presidential candidate facing President Joe Biden in November.

Read more

(9 a.m.)

— Madeline Heim

More: Hulk Hogan will speak at the RNC Thursday night. Here's what to know about him.

Mayor says Republicans will offer ‘false narrative of gloom’ on final day of RNC, reiterates support for Biden

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said ahead of Trump’s acceptance speech Thursday night that those listening should be prepared for a “false narrative of gloom, a false narrative of blame, a message from Republicans that just simply is not true.”

Trump, who has appeared at the four-day convention but has not spoken, will address those gathered at Fiserv Forum Thursday night.

Johnson, a Democrat and ardent Biden supporter, said he's looking forward to taking part in the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago and re-nominating Biden to run for a second term in the White House.

“The upcoming November election is extremely, extremely important for the future of America,” he said.

Johnson has continued to stick by Biden even as other Democrats have called for or privately urged the president to step aside following a disastrous debate performance last month.

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., became the most prominent Democratic lawmaker to call on Biden to drop out of the 2024 election over concerns he can't beat Trump in November.

(7:45 a.m.)

— Alison Dirr

City-designated demonstration spaces outside RNC busier Wednesday

City of Milwaukee-designated demonstration areas were busier Wednesday than they had been on the previous two days of the convention, Johnson said Thursday.

And, he said, for the first time, additional people came and asked to speak at the podiums. They were accommodated, he said.

(7:30 a.m.)

— Alison Dirr

Arrests overnight ahead of fourth and final day of RNC, mayor says

Two incidents near the convention led to seven arrests overnight Thursday, Johnson said.

The arrests took place on the east side of the Milwaukee River, just outside of the security perimeter.

Johnson said in the first case, two people were arrested for fights, while in the second case, five people were arrested for “disorderly behavior outside a bar.”

He also said there was a convention-related arrest of a person accused of stealing tickets and trying to sell them.

(7:20 a.m.)

— Alison Dirr

What's the RNC Day 4 convention schedule?

The final official session of the convention, in which Trump will accept his nomination as the Republican candidate for president, begins at 5:45 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m.

Earlier in the day, there are a number of events for convention-goers. The convention is closed to all but delegates, politicians, media members and volunteers.

Among the events:

• The Hispanic Leadership Coalition Reception is from noon to 2 p.m. at the Iron Horse Hotel.

• There are several book signings at Convention Fest: Donald Trump Jr., from 2 to 4 p.m.; Peter Navarro, from 2 to 4 p.m.; and Kari Lake, from 3 to 4 p.m.

• The Republican Jewish Coalition is hosting a Salute to Pro-Israel Elected Officials from 4 to 6 p.m.

The official convention watch party takes place each day at the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub, 320 W. Highland Ave., across from Fiserv Forum. It's set to start at 5:45 p.m.

Here's the master schedule of events for the Republican National Convention.

(5:30 a.m.)

— Madeline Heim

What time does Donald Trump speak Thursday night?

The time of Trump's nomination acceptance speech hasn't been announced, but it's likely to be at the end of the session, sometime between 9 and 10 p.m.

The schedule of speakers for Thursday night likely will be released late morning to midafternoon Thursday.

What's the RNC theme Thursday?

Thursday's theme is Make America Great Once Again.

Here are the daily themes from earlier in the week:

• Monday: Make America Wealthy Once Again

• Tuesday: Make America Safe Once Again

• Wednesday: Make America Strong Once Again

Who's speaking at the RNC Thursday? Who are the RNC speakers tonight?

No speakers have been announced yet, though it's certain that Trump will speak.

There also are reports that UFC CEO Dana White will speak before Trump.

Based on the RNC's list of speakers for the convention released in advance, here are some of the people who haven't spoken yet, including Beloit's Diane Hendricks, owner of ABC Supply:

• Sen. Steve Daines (Montana), NRSC Chairman

• Rep. Richard Hudson (North Carolina), NRCC Chairman

• Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State

• Linda McMahon, former U.S. Administrator of SBA

• Tucker Carlson, TV host

• Franklin Graham, faith leader

• Diane Hendricks, owner of ABC Supply

When does the RNC end? How many days is the RNC?

The Republican National Convention ends Thursday, the last of its four days.

When is the Democratic National Convention, or DNC, in 2024?

The Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago — less than 100 miles south of the RNC — from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: RNC 2024 convention Day 4 live updates in Milwaukee; schedule, news