Friday, September 20, 2024

Republican convention to focus on foreign policy as JD Vance prepares for speech – live

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With JD Vance scheduled to take center stage tonight, here is the Guardian’s Sam Levine’s report from Milwaukee on the senator’s expected address and the RNC’s third day:

Vance will be introduced by Donald Trump Jr. The theme for Wednesday – “Make America Strong Once Again” – comes amid internal divisions on how to handle the war in Ukraine. Earlier this year, House speaker Mike Johnson only narrowly passed a bill to provide additional funding for Ukraine over the loud objection of some Republicans.

The day will also offer an opportunity for Republicans to attack Joe Biden over his handling of the US military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and the war between Israel and Gaza.

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Good morning,

With the Republican national convention entering its third day, Trump’s vice-presidential pick, 39-year-old JD Vance, is set to deliver perhaps the most significant speech of his political career today.

The Ohio senator is expected to address the RNC this evening following the announcement of his selection as Donald Trump’s running mate on Monday.

Vance, a former critic of Trump who once called the former president “America’s Hitler” as well as a “total fraud”, is set to make his appearance tonight amid the RNC’s theme for today – “Make America Strong Once Again”. On Tuesday, Trump’s former opponents Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis both made appearances at the Milwaukee convention during which they heavily endorsed Trump.

Wednesday’s theme, an ode to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” tagline, is expected to largely revolve around US foreign policy, which Vance has been heavily critical of with regards to US military aid to Ukraine. Following the announcement of Trump’s vice-presidential pick, European experts have warned that Vance is a “terrible choice” for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

Here are other developments in US politics:

  • Joe Biden is in Las Vegas, where he is expected to deliver remarks at UnidosUS, the largest annual gathering of Latino advocates and policymakers.

  • The White House is reaffirming its support for surgeries for trans minors following backlash over its comments that the surgeries “should be limited to adults”.

  • A former White House official has been accused of working as South Korea agent in exchange for luxury goods, according to an indictment filed in a Manhattan federal court.

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