Thousands of Republicans will gather in Milwaukee July 15 for the Republican National Convention, where former President Donald Trump and his soon-to-be-announced running mate are expected to be officially nominated.
The gathering, held every four years, takes on additional significance -- and much tighter security -- after a shooter tried to assassinate Trump Saturday.
Trump is OK. The shooter was killed. One attendee was killed.
“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th president of the United States,” according to a statement from Trump campaign and RNC officials on Saturday.
More than 50,000 attendees are expected at the convention. Thousands of protesters also are expected to gather nearby on Monday; it is unclear if the assassination attempt will change those plans.
Alabama Sen. Katie Britt will be in town, along with dozens of state delegates and alternates.
When does the RNC start?
The convention begins July 15 and runs through July 18.
Where is the RNC held?
The RNC will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Fiserv Forum. Trump narrowly carried Wisconsin in 2016 but lost to President Joe Biden in 2020.
How can I watch the RNC?
The convention will be available to watch on YouTube, X, Facebook Live, Rumble, Amazon Prime, Twitch and Direct TV.
Who is speaking, appearing at the RNC?
People who are slated to speak this year include Trump’s two oldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, as well as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Lee Greenwood, the singer of Trump’s walk-on song, “God Bless the USA,” is also on the program.
The list has the three top contenders for the vice presidential nomination — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Ohio Sen. JD Vance and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum — as well as a mix of Trump allies from inside and outside government.
Other former 2024 presidential candidates on the schedule include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Also on the speakers list: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
Plus former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, who is currently in jail on contempt of Congress charges, the AP first reported Friday. Navarro is scheduled to be released from a Miami prison on July 17.
Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and a challenger for the nomination this year, initially was not invited, but accepted a speaking role July 14 after the assassination attempt.
Who are candidates to be Trump’s vice president?
Trump has not yet named a vice presidential pick, but the shortlist includes Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
Will there be more security at the RNC?
Yes. A joint threat assessment created by the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Southeastern Wisconsin Threat Analysis Center was sent out to law enforcement officials in anticipation of the RNC, according to news reports.
No credible or specific threat was identified by law enforcement, but officials told news outlets that, given Saturday’s shooting, they plan to add security and increase the buffer zone around the convention center.
Some firearms may be allowed within an outer perimeter around the convention center, according to officials, as Wisconsin is an open-carry state.
What is the RNC platform?
The convention will vote to finalize the platform next week.
The formal statement of policy positions, is dedicated “To the Forgotten Men and Women of America.” It was shaped by Trump’s campaign.
The convention, and party platform, are highlighting economics, immigration and national security.
Trump has outlined an agenda of tariffs and ramped-up production of oil and gas, which has already hit a record under Biden. He argues that his plans to deport millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally will bring down inflation, which has fallen from higher levels earlier in Biden’s presidency.
Notably, the platform abandons the party’s previous position explicitly advocating for federal abortion limits.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.