At 13:50, assassins learned about other assassins
The Trump assassin informed himself on the internet about the arrest of a teenager in Michigan who had shot and killed four students at a Highschool in 2021, and about the charges against his parents. This is reported by CNN, citing FBI and Secret Service officials.
13:17 Hulk Hogan pays tribute to "Gladiator" Trump in bizarre speech
Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan was a folk hero in the US in the 80s and 90s. Advertising and film appearances followed. Now he effectively enters the presidential campaign. At the Republican Party convention, Hulk Hogan pays tribute to Donald Trump in wrestling style:
12:36 Spahn praises Trump's foreign policy positions
Union deputy faction leader Jens Spahn finds praiseworthy words for Trump's foreign policy positions. Spahn mentioned approximately the attitude towards containing China and the existence of Israel in a conversation with MDR. The former health minister also commented on Trump's announced peace initiative for Ukraine. He said Europeans should "be part of these talks" and should not be satisfied with the role of the audience. Spahn, who was an observer at the Republican Party convention, emphasized in the editorial network that Trump "is often right on foreign policy." "Our Iran policy was wrong in retrospect, his was right. Our policy on Nord Stream 2 was wrong, he warned us." Trump has been calling "for years" that Europe should do more for its security, said Spahn. "We had kept our eyes closed for too long."
11:52 Communication expert: Trump strikes "unusual tones"
With over 90 minutes, Donald Trump delivers the longest nomination speech to date. This is not just "typical campaigning with a ton of fake news," says communication expert Christian Galvez, but also "unusual tones" for the Republicans:
11:26 Trump's staging reminds security experts of "Life of Brian"
According to security expert Christian Mölling, the content of the speeches at the US Republican Party convention is not the deciding factor. "When you see that people really cling to that bond. [...] That's like in Life of Brian," he says in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation." "There's a scene at the end where everyone is chasing after someone's sandal, who has become an icon of sorts, an object of veneration, almost like a savior. It doesn't matter if it's a sandal or a bandage: Trump is being deified and he's deifying himself, and that's why the content, in my opinion, is totally banal."
10:55 Politologist on Trump's calculation: "Arithmetic carries enormous risk"
How surprising or expected was Trump's speech at the Republican Party convention? Thomas Jäger takes a look at the consequences of his announcements for Ukraine and other US allies. He also assesses whether Biden will still be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate next week:
10:19 Trump accuses Biden of causing greater damage than through "ten worst presidents" combined
Originally, Trump did not want to mention Biden in his speech, but he deviated from his script again. "The damage he has caused to this country is unimaginable," Trump said about the incumbent president. When the "balance sheet" of the ten worst presidents in US history is considered, the "damage" caused by Biden is not as great as Trump's.
09:51 When Trump deviates from the script, things get interesting with him
In Milwaukee, Trump spoke about the assassination attempt against him; he looked tired but was then celebrated by the delegates and didn't always stick to his script - "old tunes came through." NTV reporter Hanna Klouth shares her impressions of the official Republican Party's presidential nominee's acceptance speech:
09:15 Trump makes over 20 false claims in his speech
CNN counts over 20 false claims in Trump's convention speech. Many of these were previously made by the presidential candidate, some for years. Topics affected include the economy, immigration, crime, foreign policy, and elections. The statement that he left the Biden administration a world at peace is deemed "absurd" by the network. Trump also repeated the allegation of election fraud against the Democrats - even though, according to the report, it was not in the speech manuscript.
08:45 Trump obfuscates the Taiwan question in his speech
China was mentioned only once in Trump's speech in a national security context. He said that the country surrounds Taiwan - without stating whether his administration would come to Taiwan's aid if China attacks it in the event of his re-election. Trump has so far remained evasive on this issue.
08:22 Trump falsely accuses Biden of record inflation
After the US inflation rate reached a record high of 9.1% in June 2022, it has since dropped to 3%, according to CNN. Trump's accusation of record inflation under US President Biden in his speech is therefore not accurate. The record was actually 23.7% in 1920.
08:01 Trump's first action will be to close the border
In his return to the White House, Trump, according to his own statements, plans to close the border as one of his first official acts to prevent migrants from entering the US. "I will end the crisis of illegal immigration by closing our border and completing the wall," the 78-year-old confirmed in his speech at the Republican National Convention. "We must stop the invasion of our country."
07:20 Trump exaggerates the fight against IS in Syria
Trump also exaggerated in his statement about the IS in Syria, as the "New York Times" explains. Trump claimed that under his leadership, the US had completely defeated the terrorist organization within two months. However, the US-led coalition against the so-called Islamic State had begun operations in 2014, long before Trump's first term. The last territories held by the IS were lost in March 2019, not two months, but two years after Trump took office.
06:51 Trump lies about abandoned military equipment in Afghanistan
Trump's false claim about the US leaving behind military equipment worth $85 billion in Afghanistan was also repeated in his speech. According to US media, this refers to the total amount provided by Congress to support Afghan security forces during the war. The abandoned military equipment was estimated by the Defense Department to be worth around $7.1 billion, according to CNN.
06:31 Trump insults Migrants indirectly as "Garbage"Trump used his speech to incite against migrants and employed dehumanizing language. "They come from all over," said the 78-year-old. "We have become a dumping ground for the rest of the world - and they laugh at us. They think we're stupid." Trump spoke for several minutes about immigration. During his speech, he repeated statements from campaign rallies. He claimed that mostly criminals were coming over the southern border and people from "Mental Institutions."
06:18 Trump speaks for 95 minutesDonald Trump's nomination speech ends after a total of 95 minutes. The 78-year-old presents himself on stage with his family. Melania Trump is also present at the Republican Party's nomination event in Milwaukee, having been absent from key campaign events, such as her husband's TV debate with President Biden.
05:49 Trump: I save democracyDonald Trump calls for political disagreements not to be "demonized." The USA should not "criminalize dissent," he says in his nomination speech at the Republican National Convention. The 78-year-old does not see himself as a threat to democracy but rather as its "savior." Trump is involved in numerous legal disputes. He continues to present himself publicly as a victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt." He still refuses to acknowledge his loss in the 2020 presidential election against Joe Biden.
05:06 Trump remembers attack victim and kisses firefighter's helmetAt his nomination speech in Milwaukee, Donald Trump remembers the man killed in the attack on him. Following this, Trump kisses the helmet of the firefighter who was killed during a campaign event in the US state of Pennsylvania. The man's jacket was also visible on stage. "He was incredible," says Trump. The 50-year-old reportedly shielded his wife and daughter from the bullets when the shooter opened fire. He was fatally wounded, and two other people were seriously injured.
04:53 Trump tells story of the attackWith a soft and slower voice than usual, Donald Trump tells the story of the attack on him in Milwaukee - "for the first and only time," as he explains. Because it's too painful to tell it again, he says. "I had God on my side. (...) I shouldn't be here tonight." At this point, the audience starts shouting, "But, you should be here!"
04:46 Trump begins nomination speech in conciliatory toneDonald Trump begins his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in a conciliatory tone: "I'm running to be President for all of America, not for half of America. There's no winning if you only win half of America."
04:08 Carlson: Ukraine-Aid "Middle Finger" to AmericansTucker Carlson, the Putin-friendly talk show host, criticized US aid for the Ukraine attacked by Russia during the Republican Party convention. "You don't see our president using our military to protect our country or the lives of our citizens - no, that's for Ukraine," the former Fox News moderator said in Milwaukee. "That's a middle finger to every American." Carlson is known for spreading false narratives and conspiracy theories. Last year, the ardent Trump supporter was fired from the conservative US network Fox News. In early February, he traveled to Moscow for an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the interview, Putin spoke unchecked for over two hours about Russia and Ukraine. The Ukraine then sarcastically named Carlson their "Kremlin insider of the month".
03:35 Trump's Daughter-in-law: Attack changed TrumpLara Trump, Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee, observed a change in her father-in-law. The attack on Saturday reportedly prompted the presidential candidate to rework his upcoming speech and emphasize unity, according to Lara Trump, wife of Trump's son Eric Trump: "I don't think you can go through what he went through on Saturday without it having an effect." Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris finds Trump's call for unity less credible. "We're too busy watching what you do and what you say," Harris said at a campaign event.
02:27 Trump Advisor: Biden's withdrawal would have little impact on Trump's campaignAccording to a high-ranking advisor to Donald Trump, a withdrawal of US President Joe Biden from the presidential race would not significantly change Trump's campaign. "Whether it's Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or any other radical liberal Democrat, they're all responsible for the destruction of our economy and the collapse of our borders," Jason Miller, one of Trump's closest advisors, said on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. In Trump's speech in a few hours, it would not be "about Joe Biden," but "about President Trump and his vision for the country," Miller added.
01:36 Pelosi believes Biden is close to dropping outAccording to a report by the "Washington Post", Nancy Pelosi, a powerful Democrat, believes that Joe Biden could be convinced to withdraw from the US presidential race soon. The newspaper cites three unnamed Democratic officials close to Pelosi. The former Speaker of the House is a close confidant of Biden. After his disastrous TV debate performance against Trump, Pelosi reportedly acts as a go-between for the concerned party base and the White House.
00:43 Scholz considers US presidential election outcome open
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD still sees the outcome of the US presidential election as open. It's "a little bold and risky" to be certain now how this election will turn out, Scholz said at a press conference to conclude the European Council meeting in Britain. He cited the previous German federal election as an example, where he won the chancellorship for the SPD on the last meters despite being seemingly hopelessly behind the Union in the polls. As a good democrat, he wanted to emphasize, "elections only take place when they have taken place."
23:28 Source: Biden considering dropping out of race
US President Joe Biden is reportedly considering dropping out of the presidential race according to sources. Biden is taking the calls for him to step down as the Democratic candidate seriously, these sources say. Several Democratic insiders believe that a withdrawal is only a matter of time. "I'm sure he's really thinking about it," says one anonymous insider. "He's thinking very seriously about it." Another Democratic insider says Biden has recognized the signs of the times. "It feels like it's a matter of when, not if," the insider added. Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, however, stated that the president is not undecided and has made his decision: "Joe Biden has said that he is running for the office of President of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward."
23:08 White House announces meeting between Biden and Netanyahu next week
US President Joe Biden is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington next week. "We expect that the two will have an opportunity to meet while Minister Prime Minister Netanyahu is in town," says John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council. He couldn't, however, specify at that time how such a meeting would look. Netanyahu is scheduled to fly to Washington on Monday to deliver a speech before the US Congress. Israeli media had reported on a planned meeting with Biden. Whether such a meeting will take place, however, depends on the progress of Netanyahu's coronavirus infection, Kirby cautioned. "We need to ensure that the president's health and recovery remain a priority," the spokesperson said.
22:14 Doctor: Biden suffering from mild coronavirus symptoms
US President Joe Biden is still experiencing mild respiratory symptoms due to his coronavirus infection, according to his doctor. Biden does not have a fever, Kevin O'Connor reported. Biden is being treated with the medication Paxlovid. The White House announced on Wednesday that Biden had tested positive for coronavirus in Las Vegas. Biden canceled an appearance in the US state of Nevada. He is isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
21:37 Biden campaign team rules out other candidacy scenarios
The campaign team of US President Joe Biden is not considering scenarios where Biden does not run as the Democratic nominee for the White House. "Our campaign is not playing out any scenarios where President Biden is not at the top of the candidate list. He is and will be the candidate of the Democrats," said Biden's deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks at a press conference in Milwaukee. Biden himself has repeatedly emphasized that he will stay in the race and will not withdraw his candidacy.
20:53 Weber: "A cascade of events is about to begin"
The West intends to station US weapons in Germany, the Kremlin responds with atomic threats. The continuous alternation of reaction and counter-reaction could escalate, according to security expert Joachim Weber. Additionally, Trump could once again become a political ally of Russia - not good news for Europe.
20:07 Report: Trump insulted already 38 percent of US population
An unofficial list from the "Washington Post" shows that former President Donald Trump has insulted or attacked 38 percent of the American population in speeches at rallies, on social media, and in interviews in cities and states that make up this percentage. Trump's statements could therefore affect more than 126 million people who are proud of their hometowns. Milwaukee, the host city of the Republican Convention, is reportedly referred to by Trump as "a terrible city."
19:33 Report: Where is Melania Trump? Melania Trump missing from Milwaukee: Melania Trump is not on the speaker list for the final evening of the Republican Convention. This was reported by trusted sources. There had been many speculations about whether the former First Lady would make an appearance at her husband's party gathering in Milwaukee. The absence of the former First Lady on the speaker list does not necessarily mean that she will not appear on stage with Trump. In the past evenings, Trump has sat alone on the stage in the hall and followed his vice presidential candidate's wife, Usha Vance's, speech. Melania Trump's absence, while Usha Vance supported her husband on stage, could once again fuel rumors about the state of the Trump marriage.
You can read about all previous developments here.**
1. Despite the United States Presidential Election 2024 being far off, discussions about potential candidates are already surfacing. 2. The United States of America is currently dealing with numerous political attempts to navigate its foreign policy challenges. 3. In the midst of these political attempts, there have been murmurs about the role of key figures like Donald Trump and Joe Biden in shaping the Democrats and Republicans' strategies. 4. The assault on Donald Trump back in 2021 in Pennsylvania brought attention to the importance of security measures during political events. 5. In the United States Intelligence Agency's assessment, some of the allegations made by Donald Trump about election fraud in states like Wisconsin could not be substantiated. 6. Regardless of who takes office in the United States Presidential Election 2024, it is expected that the relationship between the US and its international partners will continue to be a critical focus of political discussions.