Political scientists on Trump's calculation: 'Literalness bears immense risk'
10:19 Trump inflicts greater damage than through "ten worst Presidents" combined
Trump unexpectedly or predictably made remarks about Biden during his speech at the Republican Party event. Thomas Jaeger takes a look at the potential consequences of Trump's announcements regarding Ukraine and other US allies. Additionally, the political scientist wonders if Biden will still be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate next week:
10:19 Trump accuses Biden of causing greater damage than any of the ten worst Presidents
Trump actually intended to not 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 "ten worst Presidents" in US history are considered together, the damage caused by Biden is not as great as Trump claimed.
09:51 When Trump deviates from the script, chaos ensues
In Milwaukee, Trump spoke about the assassination attempt against him; he seemed tired but was then cheered on by delegates and didn't always stick to his script - "old tunes come through." NTV reporter Hanna Klouth shares her impressions of the official Republican Party presidential candidate's nomination speech:
09:15 Trump makes over 20 false claims in his speech
CNN counts over 20 false claims in Trump's party convention speech. Many of these had been made by the presidential candidate before, some for years. Topics affected include the economy, immigration, crime, foreign policy, and elections. The statement that he had left the Biden administration a peaceful world is deemed "absurd" by the network. Trump also repeated the allegation of election fraud against the Democrats, even though this was not mentioned in the speech manuscript.
08:45 Trump obfuscates Taiwan issue in speech
China was only mentioned once in Trump's speech in a national security context. He said, "The country surrounds Taiwan" - without stating whether his administration would come to Taiwan's aid if China attacks it if he is re-elected. Trump has not yet committed to a clear stance on this issue.
08:22 Trump falsely accuses Biden of record inflation
After the US inflation rate reached 9.1% in June 2022, the highest level since 1981, it has since dropped to 3%, according to CNN. Trump's accusation of record inflation under US President Biden is therefore incorrect. The record was actually 23.7% in 1920.
08:01 Trump's first act will be to close the border
According to his own statements, Trump plans to close the border as one of his first actions upon returning to the White House. "I will end the illegal immigration crisis by closing our borders 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 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 returns equipment in Afghanistan
Trump repeated his false claim in his speech that the US left military equipment worth 85 billion dollars in Afghanistan during their withdrawal. According to US media, this refers to the total amount provided by Congress during the war for a fund to support Afghan security forces. The abandoned equipment was estimated by the Defense Department to be worth around 7.1 billion dollars, as CNN explains.
06:31 Trump insults migrants indirectly as "garbage"
Trump used his speech to incite against migrants and used dehumanizing language. "They come from everywhere," 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 are stupid." Trump spoke for several minutes about immigration. He repeated statements from campaign rallies. He claims, for example, that almost exclusively criminals come over the southern border and people from "mental institutions."
06:18 Trump speaks for 95 minutes
Donald 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 presidential candidate's Milwaukee event, having been absent from important campaign events such as the TV debate between her husband and President Biden.
05:49 Trump: I save democracy
Donald Trump calls for political disagreements not to be "demonized." The USA should "not criminalize dissent," he says in his nomination speech at the Republican convention. The 78-year-old does not see himself as a threat to democracy, but rather saves "democracy for the people of our country." Trump is involved in various legal disputes. He presents himself publicly as a victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt." He still has not acknowledged his defeat in the 2020 presidential election against Joe Biden.
05:06 Trump remembers attack victims and kisses firefighter helmet
At his nomination speech in Milwaukee, Donald Trump pays tribute to the man killed in the attack on him. He then kisses the helmet of the firefighter who was killed at 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 shot, two others were seriously injured.
04:53 Trump tells story of the attack
With 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 is too painful to tell it again, he says. "I had God on my side. (...) I should not be here tonight." At this point, the audience starts shouting: "But, you should be here!"
04:46 Trump begins nomination speech in conciliatory tone
Donald Trump begins his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in a conciliatory tone: "I am running to be President for all of America, not just for half of America. There is no victory if half of America is left behind."
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 reports 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 revise 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, Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race would not significantly affect 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 breakdown of our borders," Jason Miller, one of Trump's closest advisors, said on the sidelines of the Republican Party 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 in the "Washington Post", Nancy Pelosi also 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 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 EU summit in Britain. He cited the recent German federal election as an example, where he and the SPD won on the last meters despite appearing hopelessly behind the Union in the polls. As a good democrat, Scholz stressed, "elections only take place when they have taken place."
23:28 Insider: Biden ponders dropping out
US President Joe Biden is reportedly considering dropping out of the presidential race. Biden is taking the calls for him to withdraw as a candidate seriously, say sources close to the matter. Several Democratic figures believe an exit is only a matter of time. "I'm sure he's really going through it," says one insider who wishes to remain anonymous. "He's thinking very seriously about it." Another insider within the Democrats says Biden has recognized the signs of the times. "It feels like it's a question of when, not if," so the insider. Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, however, stated that the president is not indecisive 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 during Minister Netanyahu's stay in the city," says John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council of the USA. He could not, however, "at this point" say how such a meeting would look. Netanyahu is flying 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 Corona infection, according to Kirby. "We need to ensure that the President's health and recovery are a priority," says the spokesperson.
22:14 Doctor: Biden suffers from mild Corona symptoms
US President Joe Biden is still experiencing mild respiratory symptoms due to his Coronavirus infection, according to his doctor. Biden has no fever, Kevin O'Connor reports. The president is being treated with the drug Paxlovid. The White House announced on Wednesday that Biden had tested positive for Coronavirus in Las Vegas. Biden has canceled an appearance in the US state of Nevada. He is isolating himself at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
21:37 Biden's campaign team rules out other candidacy scenarios
Biden's campaign team is not considering scenarios in which Biden does not run as the Democratic Party's nominee for the White House. "Our campaign is not playing out any scenarios in which President Biden is not at the head of the candidate list," says Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, 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 constant back-and-forth 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 nearly 38 percent of the American population in speeches at rallies, on social media, and in interviews in cities and states that make up almost 126 million people. 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 Melania Trump is missing in Milwaukee: Where is the Ex-First Lady?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 in the past about whether the former First Lady would make an appearance at the gathering of her husband's party in Milwaukee. The absence of Melania Trump 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 watched, among other things, the speech of his vice presidential candidate's wife, J.D. Vance. That Melania Trump is not announced, while Usha Vance supported her husband on stage, could again fuel rumors about the state of the Trump marriage.
You can read about all previous developments here.**
07:31 Republicans accuse Biden of weakening the United States during their Wisconsin rallyTrump's speech in Wisconsin was filled with attacks on President Biden, with Republican Party members accusing him of weakening the United States.
06:56 Pennsylvania Republicans call for an investigation of election fraud allegations against BidenDuring their rally in Pennsylvania, Republicans urged for an investigation into election fraud allegations against President Biden, reinforcing Trump's attempt to cast doubt on the 2020 election results.
06:22 Biden's popularity plummets among Republican supportersA poll showed a sharp decline in Biden's popularity among Republican voters, with nearly 90% of them expressing dissatisfaction with his presidency, contributing to Trump's assault on Biden's credibility.
05:52 US-Intelligence Agencies dismiss Trump's claims of foreign meddling in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania electionsContrary to Trump's allegations, US Intelligence Agencies released a report stating there was no evidence of foreign interference in the 2020 elections in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, further challenging Trump's attacks on Biden's presidency.
05:18 Trump's attempts to discredit Biden's presidency overshadow Republican policy discussionsTrump's persistent attacks on Biden's presidency have become a central theme in Republican politics, overshadowing discussions on policy and unifying the party ahead of 2024's US Presidentsambiguity.
04:42 Democrats respond to Trump's accusations with calls for unity and bipartisan cooperationDemocrats across the nation emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation, dismissing Trump's attacks as an attempt to divide the nation, and voicing concerns that such rhetoric could further harm the country's political climate.
