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Two days after surviving an attempted assassination, former President Donald Trump appeared triumphantly at the Republican National Convention’s opening night with a bandage over his right ear, the latest compelling scene in a presidential campaign already defined by dramatic turns. GOP delegates cheered wildly when Trump appeared onscreen backstage and then emerged in the arena, visibly emotional, as musician Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA.” That was hours after the convention had formally nominated the former president to head the Republican ticket in November against President Joe Biden.Here’s a look at the events of the convention’s second day.Ron DeSantis, who was one of Trump’s rivals in the race for the GOP nomination, speaksFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who ran for the GOP nomination against Trump, spoke during the convention.He endorsed the former president and spoke heavily in his favor, praising Trump’s immigration policies, as well as his economic policies. DeSantis also criticized Biden. “As a citizen, as a husband and as a father, I am alarmed that the current president of the United States lacks the capability to discharge the duties of his office,” DeSantis said.Nikki Haley attempts to appeal to Americans who voted for her in the GOP primaryNikki Haley, who walked on stage and was greeted by a mixture of cheers and boos, endorsed Donald Trump on Tuesday night.She said the former president has her “strong endorsement.” She said Trump asked her to speak to the convention “in the name of unity.””It was a gracious invitation and I was happy to accept,” she said, adding that Trump, “has my strong endorsement. Period.”She later criticized the Biden administration on its handling of foreign policy in Russia and Iran. She also criticized the Biden/Harris administration’s handling of immigration at the United States’ southern border.Haley then tried to appeal to moderate Republicans and those who voted for her in the GOP primary.She said there are Republicans who “don’t agree with Donald Trump 100% of the time.””I want to speak to them tonight,” she said, adding that they don’t need to always agree with Trump to cast a vote for him.She said she doesn’t always agree with Trump. “We agree more than we disagree,” she said, going on to say that “we agree on keeping America strong” and that they agree on “keeping America safe.”Haley made the comment that, “We have a country to save,” and went on to say, “a unified Republican party is essential for saving her.”She went on to say that she worked with Trump when she worked as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and said Trump’s foreign policies were strong as related to Russia and Iran. Another of Trump’s former rivals, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy — who also ran in the 2024 GOP primaries, also spoke Tuesday in favor of Trump.Cruz’s appearance showcases the Republican effort to project unitySen. Ted Cruz started his speech by saying “God Bless Donald J. Trump” and then went on to talk about his assassination attempt at a rally on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania.“Let me start by giving thanks to God almighty for protecting Donald Trump and for turning his head on Saturday as the shot was fired.”The last time Cruz spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2016, he was booed while battling Trump for the GOP nomination for president. Since then, the two men have had a contentious and publicly tense relationship, exchanging personal insults. But Cruz’s appearance depicts an effort by Republicans to show a united front after Saturday’s rally shooting.Trump and Vance return to the convention floor ahead of expected speeches from DeSantis and HaleySen. JD Vance, who was named Trump’s running mate a day ago, was introduced on the floor for a second day in a row. After a musical performance, Trump, who was still wearing a bandage over his ear, was also welcomed back to the convention floor. They were both met with loud applause. JD Vance wants to highlight ‘the contrast’ between himself and HarrisPrior to coming to the floor, Vance highlighted the “contrast” between him and Vice President Kamala Harris. Vance said he wants to debate Vice President Kamala Harris “because it’s important for the American people to see the contrast.”He contrasted Democratic infighting over whether Biden should step aside with unity behind Trump at the Republican convention.“This party out here is really united behind President Trump,” Vance said in an interview with NewsMax from inside the arena. “It’s a really good feeling. And I think that that momentum is something you can almost reach out to touch, it’s so powerful.”Vance said his phone blew up with calls as soon as Trump offered him the job, and he missed a call from an unidentified number that turned out to be Harris. He said he spoke to Harris Tuesday and “she was very gracious, very cordial.” He said he did not save the voicemail message from Harris.New details emerge on police shooting near convention centerFive Ohio police officers in Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention shot at a man who was in a knife fight near the convention, killing him, Milwaukee’s police chief said.The man who police shot had a knife in each hand and refused police commands, Milwaukee Chief Jeffrey Norman said at a news conference. Two knives were recovered from the scene, the chief said.“Someone’s life was in danger,” Norman said. “These officers, who were not from this area, took it upon themselves to act and save someone’s life today.”The shooting fueled anger from residents who questioned why out-of-state officers were in their neighborhood located about a mile from the convention site. Speaker Johnson talks about unity but also paints bleak picture of life under a Democrat governmentIn the wake of the attempted assassination of Trump, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson talked about unity while recalling the incident at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.“We’re not just uniting as Republicans, we’re uniting today as Americans in the wake of the assassination attempt on the life Donald Trump,” Johnson said.Johnson has called for toning down political rhetoric after the attempted assassination attempt.In his RNC speech, Johnson perhaps veered from that standard a bit, framing the November elections as a stark, almost existential choice for voters.After promising a “thorough” House investigation of the attempt on Trump’s life, Johnson said the nation has “come to a moment in America where the basic things that we once took for granted are being openly challenged like never before.”He said the battle is not “just between two opposing political parties” but instead, “We’re now in the midst of a struggle between two completely different visions of who we are as Americans, and what our country will be.”Some Republicans have since Saturday blamed President Joe and Democrats for characterizing Trump as a “threat to democracy” with authoritarian leanings.Johnson suggested in his convention speech that Democratic victories in November were the real threat: “We have no guarantee that this grand experiment in self-governance can endure unless we respond to the call.”Police arrest man with AK-47 outside RNCA man armed with an AK-47 pistol and wearing a ski mask was taken into custody Monday near the Fiserv Forum, where the Republican National Convention is being held.A federal law enforcement official said the 21-year-old was arrested after encountering U.S. Capitol Police and Homeland Security Investigations agents.The officers approached the man, who was carrying a tactical backpack and wearing a mask, because he appeared to be acting suspiciously, the official said. Police found the weapon in his backpack, the official said.The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.Steve Scalise, who survived a politically-motivated shooting in 2017, speaks at RNCDays after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise spoke in favor of the former president. Trump’s survival of an attempted assassination Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania was on the minds of many inside the hall. One of the delegates in the crowd could be seen with a folded white piece of paper over his ear — an apparent tribute to the bandage Trump wore when he entered the hall Monday to a roaring crowd.During his speech, Scalise talked about surviving a politically-motivated shooting during a baseball practice in Virginia in 2017. He said Trump offered him support during that time.“While I was fighting for my life, Donald Trump was one of the first to come to console my family at the hospital. That’s the kind of leader he is. Courageous under fire, compassionate towards others,” Scalise said.DeSantis and Haley fundraise off of RNC speechesHe left the GOP primary race in January, but a political action group backing Ron DeSantis was dialing for dollars — for the Florida governor — ahead of his speech at the RNC.RON PAC blasted out a text to a list formerly managed by DeSantis’ shuttered presidential bid, encouraging people to watch his speech and including a fundraising link. A landing page sends clickers to contribution levels, the proceeds of which are flagged as benefitting “Trump National Committee JFC and RONPAC.”Nikki Haley blasted out her own fundraising text. With a link to watch her upcoming speech, Haley’s former campaign text list also sent recipients to a page where donations “will benefit Stand For America PAC,” the political action committee that supported her campaign. Haley’s message didn’t offer to split donations with Trump’s own fundraising apparatus.Golden Trump shoes on sale at the RNC come with a high price tagGolden Trump shoes are selling at the RNC for $600 per pair.The company started with 15 pairs, according to an employee of 365 Campaign who was selling the shoes.About 10 pairs were sold in Miami and at least one pair has been sold at the RNC.If the shoes sell out, it is unclear if more will come into stock.U.S. Senate candidates in swing states take the RNC stageSenate hopefuls who spoke or were slated to speak included Bernie Moreno of Ohio, former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, Jim Banks of Indiana, Sam Brown of Nevada, Tim Sheehy of Montana, and Hung Cao of Virginia, Kari Lake of Arizona and Eric Hovde of Wisconsin.Each of the Senate candidates is running in a swing state. Their home areas will be critical to Republicans’ hopes of retaking the chamber this fall. On Tuesday night, the Senate hopefuls are stumping both for themselves and the man at the top of their ticket, Trump.Each hopeful has taken an opportunity to hit on issues key to their own candidacies at home, promote Trump, and take swings at President Joe Biden.Two Senate hopefuls pinpoint the news media in their statementsKari Lake, who is running against Democrat Ruben Gallego for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, opened her speech at the convention by insulting members of the industry in which she formerly worked.” Frankly, you guys up there in the fake news have worn out your welcome,” she said, in an apparent reference to media organizations covering the convention. “You’ve worn it out guys.”The former news anchor blasted what she called the “fake news” for spending “the last eight years lying about President Donald Trump and his amazing patriotic supporters.” Lake also blamed Biden and Democrats for the situation on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying they’re “full of bad ideas.”After Lake spoke, Eric Hovde, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, also made similar comments to members of the media.”The media, you have to stop dividing us,” Hovde said.Priebus, formerly fired by Trump via Twitter, stumps for his old bossReince Priebus was the Republican National Committee chairman whose campaign ground game helped elected Trump in 2016.Then, while serving as White House chief of staff, Trump fired him via Twitter.On Tuesday, Priebus was the Wisconsinite welcoming the party to his home state and lauding Trump.“When Donald Trump tells you what he will do on the campaign trail, look out, because he will deliver,” Priebus said. “Let’s stand united … and let’s reelect Donald Trump president.”Trump’s competitors from the race for the GOP nomination slated to speak at the Republican conventionIt’s former Trump rivals night in Milwaukee as Republicans convene for the second prime-time session of the nominating convention.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Amb. Nikki Haley and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are expected to take the stage. It will be perhaps the clearest indication yet of how much Trump has consolidated the party and remade the GOP brand in his image.DeSantis was once expected to be a fierce 2024 rival. He dropped out after the initial votes were cast in Iowa.Haley held on for months, but never threatened Trump and waited until a few weeks ago to explicitly say she would vote for him. She was a late addition to the convention lineup, announced only after the Saturday assassination attempt against Trump.Cruz was the second-place finisher in the 2016 primaries, and at the convention that summer he delivered a tense, almost bitter speech that drew boos from Trump delegates.No such divisions are expected tonight.Trump-Vance signage and T-shirts already on displayThe official merchandise shops in the convention hall now offer Trump-Vance T-shirts reflecting the former president’s choice of running mate: Ohio Sen. JD Vance.Trump merch still dominates the inventory — perhaps a reflection of the nominee delaying his decision on a vice presidential pick or Trump’s lifelong expertise in branding using his surname alone.A day after Trump picked Vance as his running mate, Trump-Vance signs were already on display at the RNC.Some stalls also were selling Trump-Vance T-shirts. But for attendees who want a button, those may be harder to find.A volunteer at one shop said the $8 Trump-Vance buttons were already sold out Tuesday.Harris-Vance debate comes into focusVice President Kamala Harris and Vance have had their first chat since the Ohio senator became the GOP vice presidential nominee, but the two sides are still working on terms for participating in a debate, according to three people familiar with the matter.The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations about the debate, said there had been no progress at bridging the disagreements on the network partner and format, but they expect discussions to begin now that Trump has selected Vance, a first-term senator from Ohio. Delegates put their cornhole skills on display at the RNCDelegates and anyone attending the RNC can spend time playing cornhole outside Fiserv Forum.Many people were outside getting lunch and enjoying sunshine Tuesday ahead of the start of the scheduled speakers for the second day of the convention.Milwaukee’s tradition of beer on display near the conventionJust a few blocks away from the RNC is a Milwaukee neighborhood with a long tradition of beer and was home to one of the city’s most iconic breweries.At the heart of this area is the former Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery.Pabst, aka PBR, known for its signature blue-ribbon logo, was established in Milwaukee in 1844 and brewed in the city for generations. (It is no longer made in Wisconsin.)The area is now home to restaurants, apartments and yes, several breweries, and the history of beer-making in Milwaukee are displayed throughout.RFK Jr. apologizes after conversation with Trump leaksRobert F. Kennedy Jr. apologized Tuesday after a video was posted online showing part of a private phone call between the independent presidential candidate and Trump.The video shows Kennedy listening on speakerphone as Trump shares disproven claims about childhood vaccines, an issue that has helped Kennedy amass a loyal following among people who reject the scientific consensus that the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risk of rare complications. Trump also appears to pitch Kennedy on endorsing his campaign.“I would love you to do so,” Trump tells Kennedy. “And I think it’ll be so good for you and so big for you. And we’re going to win.”Person fatally shot by police about a mile from RNC venuePolice have reportedly shot and killed a person near 14th and Vliet streets in Milwaukee, which is about 1.2 miles from Fiserv Forum, the main RNC venue.There is a large police presence, including the Secret Service, at the scene. Witnesses told Milwaukee sister station WISN that two men were fighting in King Park, and one of them pulled a knife out. The witnesses said the men were startled when so many officers responded. The officers involved in the shooting are not from the Milwaukee Police Department but are from Columbus, Ohio.A statement from the Columbus Fraternal Order of Police said no officers were injured.Police from 63 departments in 24 states and Washington, D.C., along with 44 Wisconsin agencies are in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention.The incident itself does not appear to be related to the RNC.A visit with former British Prime Minister JohnsonTrump met with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Milwaukee Tuesday on the second day of the Republican National Convention.“Great to meet President Trump who is on top form after the shameful attempt on his life,” Johnson posted on the social platform X along with a photo of the pair — Trump’s right ear still bandaged after an assassination attempt on Saturday.Johnson said the two discussed Ukraine and said he has “no doubt” that Trump “will be strong and decisive in supporting that country and defending democracy.”Trump posted a similar photo on his own social media site and called Johnson “a very fine guy!”Video above: RNC arena cheers Donald Trump’s first public appearance since shootingNikki Haley and Ron DeSantis will speak on TuesdayThe former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor was the last major rival against Trump in this year’s primary contest. She waited two months after dropping out in March to say she would vote for him. Then last week, she announced she would instruct her convention delegates to vote for Trump but wasn’t planning to attend the convention.It wasn’t until Sunday — hours after the shooting — that her office reversed itself and said she would speak.It’s likely that she will call on her party to show cohesion in the face of this fall’s general election battle against President Joe Biden. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to address the RNC Tuesday night, according to a person familiar with the schedule who was not authorized to speak publicly.DeSantis was seen as Trump’s strongest challenger for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination until he dropped out right before the New Hampshire primary.His remarks along with Haley’s will put two of Trump’s most visible rivals turned supporters on stage in a show of party unity.Immigration will be in the spotlightMany of the speeches Monday focused on economic policies and claims that Biden had mishandled the economy.On Tuesday, the overview shifts to immigration and crime, according to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee, with the theme of “Make America Safe Once Again.”Be on the lookout for speakers to argue that they have been damaged by Biden-era immigration policies. Trump and Republicans believe the border debate is among their strongest issues.As part of a broader attempt to blame crime on border policies, expect speeches from family members of slain people in cases where immigrants in the U.S. illegally face criminal charges. Trump has repeatedly brought up the issue at rallies this year.Last week, the Trump campaign and the RNC announced that the brother of Rachel Morin — a Maryland woman whom prosecutors say was killed and raped by a fugitive from El Salvador — would be one of the speakers at the convention. Officials say the suspect, Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez, entered the U.S. illegally after allegedly killing a woman in his home country.He was arrested last month in Oklahoma and charged with first-degree murder and rape in Morin’s death.List of Day 2 speakersChairwoman Anne Hathaway, RNC Committee on ArrangementsGov. Bill Lee (TN) President of National Federation of Republican Women Julie HarrisYoung Republicans Chairman Hayden PadgetMatt Brooks, CEO of Republican Jewish CoalitionReince Priebus, Chairman of Host CommitteeChair of the Potawatomi Nation James CrawfordPerry JohnsonSenate candidates Kari Lake of Arizona, Eric Hovde of Wisconsin, Bernie Moreno of Ohio, Former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, and Jim Banks of Indiana, Sam Brown of Nevada, Tim Sheehy of Montana, and Hung Cao of VirginiaGov. Jim Justice (WV)Sen. Rick Scott (FL)Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ)Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY), U.S. House Republican Conference chairRep. Tom Emmer (MN), House majority whipRep. Steve Scalise (LA), House majority whipRep. Mike Johnson (LA), House majority leaderVivek RamaswamySavannah ChrisleyMayor Eric JohnsonSen. Ted Cruz (TX)Attorney General Brenna Bird (IA)Former Amb. Nikki HaleyGov. Ron DeSantis (FL)Sen. Eric Schmitt (MO)Sen. Tom Cotton (AR)Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (AR)Dr. Ben Carson, former Housing & Urban Development SecretarySen. Marco Rubio (FL)RNC Co-Chair Lara TrumpVoters Randy Sutton, Michael Coyle, Erin Koper, Anne Fundner, The Morin Family, Madeline Brame

MILWAUKEE —

Two days after surviving an attempted assassination, former President Donald Trump appeared triumphantly at the Republican National Convention’s opening night with a bandage over his right ear, the latest compelling scene in a presidential campaign already defined by dramatic turns.

GOP delegates cheered wildly when Trump appeared onscreen backstage and then emerged in the arena, visibly emotional, as musician Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA.” That was hours after the convention had formally nominated the former president to head the Republican ticket in November against President Joe Biden.

Here’s a look at the events of the convention’s second day.

Ron DeSantis, who was one of Trump’s rivals in the race for the GOP nomination, speaks

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who ran for the GOP nomination against Trump, spoke during the convention.

He endorsed the former president and spoke heavily in his favor, praising Trump’s immigration policies, as well as his economic policies.

DeSantis also criticized Biden.

“As a citizen, as a husband and as a father, I am alarmed that the current president of the United States lacks the capability to discharge the duties of his office,” DeSantis said.

Nikki Haley attempts to appeal to Americans who voted for her in the GOP primary

Nikki Haley, who walked on stage and was greeted by a mixture of cheers and boos, endorsed Donald Trump on Tuesday night.

She said the former president has her “strong endorsement.”

She said Trump asked her to speak to the convention “in the name of unity.”

“It was a gracious invitation and I was happy to accept,” she said, adding that Trump, “has my strong endorsement. Period.”

She later criticized the Biden administration on its handling of foreign policy in Russia and Iran. She also criticized the Biden/Harris administration’s handling of immigration at the United States’ southern border.

Haley then tried to appeal to moderate Republicans and those who voted for her in the GOP primary.

She said there are Republicans who “don’t agree with Donald Trump 100% of the time.”

“I want to speak to them tonight,” she said, adding that they don’t need to always agree with Trump to cast a vote for him.

She said she doesn’t always agree with Trump.

“We agree more than we disagree,” she said, going on to say that “we agree on keeping America strong” and that they agree on “keeping America safe.”

Haley made the comment that, “We have a country to save,” and went on to say, “a unified Republican party is essential for saving her.”

She went on to say that she worked with Trump when she worked as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and said Trump’s foreign policies were strong as related to Russia and Iran.

Another of Trump’s former rivals, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy — who also ran in the 2024 GOP primaries, also spoke Tuesday in favor of Trump.

Cruz’s appearance showcases the Republican effort to project unity

Sen. Ted Cruz started his speech by saying “God Bless Donald J. Trump” and then went on to talk about his assassination attempt at a rally on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“Let me start by giving thanks to God almighty for protecting Donald Trump and for turning his head on Saturday as the shot was fired.”

The last time Cruz spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2016, he was booed while battling Trump for the GOP nomination for president. Since then, the two men have had a contentious and publicly tense relationship, exchanging personal insults. But Cruz’s appearance depicts an effort by Republicans to show a united front after Saturday’s rally shooting.

Trump and Vance return to the convention floor ahead of expected speeches from DeSantis and Haley

Sen. JD Vance, who was named Trump’s running mate a day ago, was introduced on the floor for a second day in a row. After a musical performance, Trump, who was still wearing a bandage over his ear, was also welcomed back to the convention floor. They were both met with loud applause.

JD Vance wants to highlight ‘the contrast’ between himself and Harris

Prior to coming to the floor, Vance highlighted the “contrast” between him and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Vance said he wants to debate Vice President Kamala Harris “because it’s important for the American people to see the contrast.”

He contrasted Democratic infighting over whether Biden should step aside with unity behind Trump at the Republican convention.

“This party out here is really united behind President Trump,” Vance said in an interview with NewsMax from inside the arena. “It’s a really good feeling. And I think that that momentum is something you can almost reach out to touch, it’s so powerful.”

Vance said his phone blew up with calls as soon as Trump offered him the job, and he missed a call from an unidentified number that turned out to be Harris. He said he spoke to Harris Tuesday and “she was very gracious, very cordial.” He said he did not save the voicemail message from Harris.

New details emerge on police shooting near convention center

Five Ohio police officers in Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention shot at a man who was in a knife fight near the convention, killing him, Milwaukee’s police chief said.

The man who police shot had a knife in each hand and refused police commands, Milwaukee Chief Jeffrey Norman said at a news conference. Two knives were recovered from the scene, the chief said.

“Someone’s life was in danger,” Norman said. “These officers, who were not from this area, took it upon themselves to act and save someone’s life today.”

The shooting fueled anger from residents who questioned why out-of-state officers were in their neighborhood located about a mile from the convention site.

Speaker Johnson talks about unity but also paints bleak picture of life under a Democrat government

In the wake of the attempted assassination of Trump, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson talked about unity while recalling the incident at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“We’re not just uniting as Republicans, we’re uniting today as Americans in the wake of the assassination attempt on the life Donald Trump,” Johnson said.

Johnson has called for toning down political rhetoric after the attempted assassination attempt.

In his RNC speech, Johnson perhaps veered from that standard a bit, framing the November elections as a stark, almost existential choice for voters.

After promising a “thorough” House investigation of the attempt on Trump’s life, Johnson said the nation has “come to a moment in America where the basic things that we once took for granted are being openly challenged like never before.”

He said the battle is not “just between two opposing political parties” but instead, “We’re now in the midst of a struggle between two completely different visions of who we are as Americans, and what our country will be.”

Some Republicans have since Saturday blamed President Joe and Democrats for characterizing Trump as a “threat to democracy” with authoritarian leanings.

Johnson suggested in his convention speech that Democratic victories in November were the real threat: “We have no guarantee that this grand experiment in self-governance can endure unless we respond to the call.”

Police arrest man with AK-47 outside RNC

A man armed with an AK-47 pistol and wearing a ski mask was taken into custody Monday near the Fiserv Forum, where the Republican National Convention is being held.

A federal law enforcement official said the 21-year-old was arrested after encountering U.S. Capitol Police and Homeland Security Investigations agents.

The officers approached the man, who was carrying a tactical backpack and wearing a mask, because he appeared to be acting suspiciously, the official said. Police found the weapon in his backpack, the official said.

The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Steve Scalise, who survived a politically-motivated shooting in 2017, speaks at RNC

Days after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise spoke in favor of the former president.

Trump’s survival of an attempted assassination Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania was on the minds of many inside the hall. One of the delegates in the crowd could be seen with a folded white piece of paper over his ear — an apparent tribute to the bandage Trump wore when he entered the hall Monday to a roaring crowd.

During his speech, Scalise talked about surviving a politically-motivated shooting during a baseball practice in Virginia in 2017. He said Trump offered him support during that time.

“While I was fighting for my life, Donald Trump was one of the first to come to console my family at the hospital. That’s the kind of leader he is. Courageous under fire, compassionate towards others,” Scalise said.

DeSantis and Haley fundraise off of RNC speeches

He left the GOP primary race in January, but a political action group backing Ron DeSantis was dialing for dollars — for the Florida governor — ahead of his speech at the RNC.

RON PAC blasted out a text to a list formerly managed by DeSantis’ shuttered presidential bid, encouraging people to watch his speech and including a fundraising link. A landing page sends clickers to contribution levels, the proceeds of which are flagged as benefitting “Trump National Committee JFC and RONPAC.”

Nikki Haley blasted out her own fundraising text. With a link to watch her upcoming speech, Haley’s former campaign text list also sent recipients to a page where donations “will benefit Stand For America PAC,” the political action committee that supported her campaign. Haley’s message didn’t offer to split donations with Trump’s own fundraising apparatus.

Golden Trump shoes on sale at the RNC come with a high price tag

Golden Trump shoes are selling at the RNC for $600 per pair.

The company started with 15 pairs, according to an employee of 365 Campaign who was selling the shoes.

About 10 pairs were sold in Miami and at least one pair has been sold at the RNC.

If the shoes sell out, it is unclear if more will come into stock.

U.S. Senate candidates in swing states take the RNC stage

Senate hopefuls who spoke or were slated to speak included Bernie Moreno of Ohio, former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, Jim Banks of Indiana, Sam Brown of Nevada, Tim Sheehy of Montana, and Hung Cao of Virginia, Kari Lake of Arizona and Eric Hovde of Wisconsin.

Each of the Senate candidates is running in a swing state. Their home areas will be critical to Republicans’ hopes of retaking the chamber this fall. On Tuesday night, the Senate hopefuls are stumping both for themselves and the man at the top of their ticket, Trump.

Each hopeful has taken an opportunity to hit on issues key to their own candidacies at home, promote Trump, and take swings at President Joe Biden.

Two Senate hopefuls pinpoint the news media in their statements

Kari Lake, who is running against Democrat Ruben Gallego for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, opened her speech at the convention by insulting members of the industry in which she formerly worked.”

Frankly, you guys up there in the fake news have worn out your welcome,” she said, in an apparent reference to media organizations covering the convention. “You’ve worn it out guys.”

The former news anchor blasted what she called the “fake news” for spending “the last eight years lying about President Donald Trump and his amazing patriotic supporters.”

Lake also blamed Biden and Democrats for the situation on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying they’re “full of bad ideas.”

After Lake spoke, Eric Hovde, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, also made similar comments to members of the media.”

The media, you have to stop dividing us,” Hovde said.

Priebus, formerly fired by Trump via Twitter, stumps for his old boss

Reince Priebus was the Republican National Committee chairman whose campaign ground game helped elected Trump in 2016.

Then, while serving as White House chief of staff, Trump fired him via Twitter.

On Tuesday, Priebus was the Wisconsinite welcoming the party to his home state and lauding Trump.

“When Donald Trump tells you what he will do on the campaign trail, look out, because he will deliver,” Priebus said. “Let’s stand united … and let’s reelect Donald Trump president.”

Trump’s competitors from the race for the GOP nomination slated to speak at the Republican convention

It’s former Trump rivals night in Milwaukee as Republicans convene for the second prime-time session of the nominating convention.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Amb. Nikki Haley and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are expected to take the stage. It will be perhaps the clearest indication yet of how much Trump has consolidated the party and remade the GOP brand in his image.

DeSantis was once expected to be a fierce 2024 rival. He dropped out after the initial votes were cast in Iowa.

Haley held on for months, but never threatened Trump and waited until a few weeks ago to explicitly say she would vote for him. She was a late addition to the convention lineup, announced only after the Saturday assassination attempt against Trump.

Cruz was the second-place finisher in the 2016 primaries, and at the convention that summer he delivered a tense, almost bitter speech that drew boos from Trump delegates.

No such divisions are expected tonight.

Trump-Vance signage and T-shirts already on display

The official merchandise shops in the convention hall now offer Trump-Vance T-shirts reflecting the former president’s choice of running mate: Ohio Sen. JD Vance.

Trump merch still dominates the inventory — perhaps a reflection of the nominee delaying his decision on a vice presidential pick or Trump’s lifelong expertise in branding using his surname alone.

Joe Raedle

A day after Trump picked Vance as his running mate, Trump-Vance signs were already on display at the RNC.

Some stalls also were selling Trump-Vance T-shirts. But for attendees who want a button, those may be harder to find.

A volunteer at one shop said the $8 Trump-Vance buttons were already sold out Tuesday.

Bill Clark

Harris-Vance debate comes into focus

Vice President Kamala Harris and Vance have had their first chat since the Ohio senator became the GOP vice presidential nominee, but the two sides are still working on terms for participating in a debate, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations about the debate, said there had been no progress at bridging the disagreements on the network partner and format, but they expect discussions to begin now that Trump has selected Vance, a first-term senator from Ohio.

Delegates put their cornhole skills on display at the RNC

Delegates and anyone attending the RNC can spend time playing cornhole outside Fiserv Forum.

Many people were outside getting lunch and enjoying sunshine Tuesday ahead of the start of the scheduled speakers for the second day of the convention.

Milwaukee’s tradition of beer on display near the convention

Just a few blocks away from the RNC is a Milwaukee neighborhood with a long tradition of beer and was home to one of the city’s most iconic breweries.

At the heart of this area is the former Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery.

Pabst, aka PBR, known for its signature blue-ribbon logo, was established in Milwaukee in 1844 and brewed in the city for generations. (It is no longer made in Wisconsin.)

The area is now home to restaurants, apartments and yes, several breweries, and the history of beer-making in Milwaukee are displayed throughout.

RFK Jr. apologizes after conversation with Trump leaks

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. apologized Tuesday after a video was posted online showing part of a private phone call between the independent presidential candidate and Trump.

The video shows Kennedy listening on speakerphone as Trump shares disproven claims about childhood vaccines, an issue that has helped Kennedy amass a loyal following among people who reject the scientific consensus that the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risk of rare complications. Trump also appears to pitch Kennedy on endorsing his campaign.

“I would love you to do so,” Trump tells Kennedy. “And I think it’ll be so good for you and so big for you. And we’re going to win.”

Person fatally shot by police about a mile from RNC venue

Police have reportedly shot and killed a person near 14th and Vliet streets in Milwaukee, which is about 1.2 miles from Fiserv Forum, the main RNC venue.

There is a large police presence, including the Secret Service, at the scene.

Witnesses told Milwaukee sister station WISN that two men were fighting in King Park, and one of them pulled a knife out. The witnesses said the men were startled when so many officers responded.

The officers involved in the shooting are not from the Milwaukee Police Department but are from Columbus, Ohio.

A statement from the Columbus Fraternal Order of Police said no officers were injured.

Police from 63 departments in 24 states and Washington, D.C., along with 44 Wisconsin agencies are in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention.

The incident itself does not appear to be related to the RNC.

A visit with former British Prime Minister Johnson

Trump met with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Milwaukee Tuesday on the second day of the Republican National Convention.

“Great to meet President Trump who is on top form after the shameful attempt on his life,” Johnson posted on the social platform X along with a photo of the pair — Trump’s right ear still bandaged after an assassination attempt on Saturday.

Johnson said the two discussed Ukraine and said he has “no doubt” that Trump “will be strong and decisive in supporting that country and defending democracy.”

Trump posted a similar photo on his own social media site and called Johnson “a very fine guy!”

Video above: RNC arena cheers Donald Trump’s first public appearance since shooting

Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis will speak on Tuesday

The former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor was the last major rival against Trump in this year’s primary contest. She waited two months after dropping out in March to say she would vote for him. Then last week, she announced she would instruct her convention delegates to vote for Trump but wasn’t planning to attend the convention.

It wasn’t until Sunday — hours after the shooting — that her office reversed itself and said she would speak.

It’s likely that she will call on her party to show cohesion in the face of this fall’s general election battle against President Joe Biden.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to address the RNC Tuesday night, according to a person familiar with the schedule who was not authorized to speak publicly.

DeSantis was seen as Trump’s strongest challenger for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination until he dropped out right before the New Hampshire primary.

His remarks along with Haley’s will put two of Trump’s most visible rivals turned supporters on stage in a show of party unity.

Immigration will be in the spotlight

Many of the speeches Monday focused on economic policies and claims that Biden had mishandled the economy.

On Tuesday, the overview shifts to immigration and crime, according to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee, with the theme of “Make America Safe Once Again.”

Be on the lookout for speakers to argue that they have been damaged by Biden-era immigration policies. Trump and Republicans believe the border debate is among their strongest issues.

As part of a broader attempt to blame crime on border policies, expect speeches from family members of slain people in cases where immigrants in the U.S. illegally face criminal charges. Trump has repeatedly brought up the issue at rallies this year.

Last week, the Trump campaign and the RNC announced that the brother of Rachel Morin — a Maryland woman whom prosecutors say was killed and raped by a fugitive from El Salvador — would be one of the speakers at the convention. Officials say the suspect, Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez, entered the U.S. illegally after allegedly killing a woman in his home country.

He was arrested last month in Oklahoma and charged with first-degree murder and rape in Morin’s death.

List of Day 2 speakers

• Chairwoman Anne Hathaway, RNC Committee on Arrangements
• Gov. Bill Lee (TN)
• President of National Federation of Republican Women Julie Harris
• Young Republicans Chairman Hayden Padget
• Matt Brooks, CEO of Republican Jewish Coalition
• Reince Priebus, Chairman of Host Committee
• Chair of the Potawatomi Nation James Crawford
• Perry Johnson
• Senate candidates Kari Lake of Arizona, Eric Hovde of Wisconsin, Bernie Moreno of Ohio, Former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, and Jim Banks of Indiana, Sam Brown of Nevada, Tim Sheehy of Montana, and Hung Cao of Virginia
• Gov. Jim Justice (WV)
• Sen. Rick Scott (FL)
• Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ)
• Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY), U.S. House Republican Conference chair
• Rep. Tom Emmer (MN), House majority whip
• Rep. Steve Scalise (LA), House majority whip
• Rep. Mike Johnson (LA), House majority leader
• Vivek Ramaswamy
• Savannah Chrisley
• Mayor Eric Johnson
• Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)
• Attorney General Brenna Bird (IA)
• Former Amb. Nikki Haley
• Gov. Ron DeSantis (FL)
• Sen. Eric Schmitt (MO)
• Sen. Tom Cotton (AR)
• Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (AR)
• Dr. Ben Carson, former Housing & Urban Development Secretary
• Sen. Marco Rubio (FL)
• RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump
• Voters Randy Sutton, Michael Coyle, Erin Koper, Anne Fundner, The Morin Family, Madeline Brame

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