RNC Day 3: JD Vance accepts nomination for vice president as Trump watches on

Former president's 17-year-old granddaughter speaks

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Last updated: Thursday, July 18, 2024 9:23AM GMT
RNC DAY 3 RECAP: Trump watches running mate JD Vance
VP pick JD Vance speaks at RNC. Here's what he said and what he didn't talk about.

MILWAUKEE -- Day 3 of the Republican National Convention featured the prime-time debut of J.D. Vance, introducing himself both to Republicans and Americans nationwide.

Former President Donald Trump made an appearance at the convention hall to watch his running mate make his national debut.

His 17-year-old granddaughter spoke, as well, humanizing her grandfather.

Wednesday's theme at the RNC was "Make America Strong Once Again."

As the RNC's evening session was about to begin, the Biden campaign announced that the president had contracted COVID-19 and would be flying to Delaware to quarantine.

BySoorin Kim, Lalee Ibssa and Kelsey Walsh ABCNews logo
Jul 17, 2024, 6:35 PM GMT

Kai Trump, Donald Trump Jr.'s daughter, expected to speak tonight at RNC

Kai Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night at 9 p.m. CT/10 p.m. ET, she posted on her social media account.

"I am honored to be speaking at the RNC at 9 pm (CDT)," she posted with a photo of the former president and Sen. J.D. Vance.

Former President Donald Trump with his granddaughter Kai Trump, during the Pro-Am competition ahead at Trump National Doral Golf Club, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, in Doral, Fla.
Former President Donald Trump with his granddaughter Kai Trump, during the Pro-Am competition ahead at Trump National Doral Golf Club, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, in Doral, Fla.

Kai Trump, the 17-year-old daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump, is the eldest of Trump's 10 grandchildren.

Over the weekend, she posted a photo of the former president pumping his fist after being shot at his Pennsylvania campaign rally, writing: "We love you Grandpa. Never stop fighting!"

In June, she posted a photo of herself with Donald Trump at what appears to be a Turning Point Action event in Detroit, Michigan.

Jul 17, 2024, 5:25 PM GMT

Republican delegates preach unity as path to victory in November

Wednesday morning had a lot of talk about bringing people in the party together despite there being differences on some issues.

Newly elected Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi preached unity as the path to victory in November on the third day of the Republican Convention.

Pennsylvania Congressman Glen "GT" Thompson spoke about agriculture to delegates.

"I don't know whether you know this, but 92% of all planted acres in this country are represented by Republicans," Thompson said.

With two women now in key leadership rolls, standing shoulder to shoulder, the message to the delegates and the party was clear: stand together.

GOP Chairman Don Tracy said he would advise Kathy Salvi to preach unity, preach unity, preach unity, and raise money.

READ MORE | Republican delegates preach unity as path to victory in November at RNC day 3

ABCNews logo
Jul 17, 2024, 5:25 PM GMT

Donald Trump's granddaughter Kai Trump to speak at RNC tonight

Donald Trump Jr.'s daughter Kai Trump is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention tonight at 9 p.m. CT/10 p.m. ET tonight, she posted on her social media account.

"I am honored to be speaking at the RNC at 9 pm (CDT)," she posted with a photo of former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance side by side.

Kai Trump, a 17-year-old daughter between Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump, is the eldest of Trump's 10 grandchildren.

Over the weekend, she posted a photo of the former president pumping his fist after being shot at his Pennsylvania campaign rally, writing: "We love you Grandpa. Never stop fighting!"

In June, she posted a photo of herself with Donald Trump at what appears to be a Turning Point Action event in Detroit, Michigan.

BySoorin Kim, Lalee Ibssa, Kelsey Walsh ABCNews logo
Jul 17, 2024, 4:48 PM GMT

Trump to attend RNC tonight

Trump will attend the RNC events Wednesday evening -- as he has the previous two days.

The former president is expected to enter the arena around the same time as Tuesday night -- around 8:02 p.m. CT.

The last two days, Trump, with a bandaged ear, has entered Fiserv Forum to cheers from his supporters and chants of "fight, fight, fight" as he pumps his fist in the air -- a callback to his response shortly after an assassination attempt on him at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.