Tim Scott calls Trump 'American lion', Amber Rose backs GOP: 5 moments from RNC Day 1

Nina Tran, Greenville News
·4 min read
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In the wake of Saturday's assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump appeared at Monday's Republican National Convention. The convention, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was his first time being seen in public since the Trump rally shooting, where one attendee was killed and two injured. A large bandage could be seen on the GOP nominee's ear, which was injured from the attack.

During the convention, many pivotal moments unraveled in the presidential race. One of these moments included Trump's running mate announcement, where he formally nominated JD Vance, R-Ohio, as his VP pick.

Another was the standing ovation former model and television star Amber Rose received after showing her allegiance to the Republican party. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina also delivered a speech where he referenced the shooting, describing the president being grazed by the bullet as a "miracle."

Here's what to know about Day 1 of the RNC.

Amber Rose addresses RNC with speech Vance Jones calls 'a bank buster' for Democrats

Amber Rose, once a Trump critic, showed her alliance with the former president in her RNC speech. When addressing the crowd, Rose listed problems every day Americans are currently facing, placing the blame on President Joe Biden's administration. Inflation, gas prices, and her role as a mother trying to raise a family in the country were issues mentioned. The influence of Rose's father, a military member and Trump supporter, is attributed to Rose switching stances on the presidential candidate.

Democratic political analyst Van Jones called Rose's speech "the most dangerous speech for the Democratic coalition" and a "bank buster" due to her level of fame.

"That is a young woman of color. She is describing the experience that a lot of people have — feeling that maybe, if you’re around too many liberals, you might get criticized too much or you might not be able to speak your mind, and she spoke to it really well,” Jones said.

Amber Rose during the first day of the Republican National Convention. The RNC kicked off the first day of the convention with the roll call vote of the states.
Amber Rose during the first day of the Republican National Convention. The RNC kicked off the first day of the convention with the roll call vote of the states.

Tim Scott talks faith, Trump rally shooting

When Trump praised Scott during 2024's first presidential debate with President Biden, many speculated the S.C. senator would become his VP pick.

At Monday's convention, Scott continued to back Trump, describing Saturday's failed assassination attempt as nothing short of a miracle.

"Our God still saves, our God still delivers," he said. "Because on Saturday, the devil came to Pennsylvania holding a rifle. But an American lion got back up on his feet, and he roared.”

Sen. Tim Scott (SC) speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention. The RNC kicked off the first day of the convention with the roll call vote of the states.
Sen. Tim Scott (SC) speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention. The RNC kicked off the first day of the convention with the roll call vote of the states.

JD Vance announced as Trump's running mate

At the RNC, JD Vance was announced as Trump's running mate, drawing skepticism from those familiar with his remarks regarding the former president in the past. In 2016, Vance penned a friend that he was unsure whether Trump was a "cynical asshole like Nixon who wouldn't be that bad (and even might even prove useful) or that he's America's Hitler," according to a USA TODAY story.

In a Monday night interview with Fox's Sean Hannity, the 39-year-old Ohio senator backtracked on his previous statements, expressing his current support for Trump.

“I was certainly skeptical of Donald Trump in 2016, but President Trump was a great president and he changed my mind,” said Vance. “I think he changed the minds of a lot of Americans.”

Former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Republican vice president nominee JD Vance during the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wis. The RNC kicked off the first day of the convention with the roll call vote of the states.
Former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Republican vice president nominee JD Vance during the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wis. The RNC kicked off the first day of the convention with the roll call vote of the states.

Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropping out of the presidential race?

RFK Jr. confirmed meeting with Trump but will not be endorsing him. He also does not plan to drop out of the race for the presidency.

“Lots of rumors going around about my meeting this morning with President Trump. Our main topic was national unity, and I hope to meet with Democratic leaders about that as well.” RFK Jr. said in an X post.

Trump secures official GOP nomination

After formally locking down his nomination, Trump became the official Republican presidential nominee. His son, Eric Trump, said the following at the RNC while delivering the delegates that put Trump at the top:

“On behalf of our entire family and on behalf of the 125 delegates in the unbelievable state of Florida, we hereby nominate every single one of them for the greatest president that’s ever lived, and that’s Donald J. Trump, hereby declaring him the Republican nominee for president of the United States of America."

Eric Trump is seen being interviewed by CBS’s “Inside Edition” during the 2024 Republican National Convention on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. The convention will run through July 18.
Eric Trump is seen being interviewed by CBS’s “Inside Edition” during the 2024 Republican National Convention on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. The convention will run through July 18.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: 5 takeaways from RNC Monday: Amber Rose, Tim Scott, JD Vance