RNC replay: JD Vance officially accepts VP nomination at Republican convention

Sen. JD Vance officially accepted his vice presidential nomination on Wednesday after former President Donald Trump tapped the Ohio lawmaker as his running mate earlier this week.

Vance during his acceptance speech called on Americans to send Trump back to the White House and introduced himself to voters across the country, talking about his journey from poverty to the vice-presidential nomination.

"I pledge to every American - no matter your party - I will give everything I have. To serve you and to make this country a place where every dream you have for yourself, your family, and your country will be possible once again," Vance said.

Prominent Republicans also spent Wednesday telling voters about their vision for America's role on the world stage during the third day of the Republican National Convention .

Some of former President Donald Trump's staunchest allies, including advisor Kellyanne Conway, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and his son Donald Trump Jr. took the stage to court Americans across the country.

The convention is underway in the shadows of an assassination attempt against Trump at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, over the weekend. Trump was injured in the attack, and a rally attendee died as he was trying to shield his family.

More: Fact-checking the Republican convention: Live look at what speakers get right (and wrong)

Catch up with live updates from the USA TODAY Network.

Vance celebrates key swing states in acceptance speech

JD Vance formally accepted his nomination as the GOP vice-presidential candidate Wednesday. In his address, the conservative senator said the moment is “about all of us,” including in the key swing states Republicans are hoping Vance will help attract as VP pick.

“It’s about the auto worker in Michigan, wondering why out of touch politicians are destroying your jobs,” Vance said. “It’s about the factory worker in Wisconsin, who makes things with their hands and is proud of American craftsmanship.”

“It’s about the energy worker in Pennsylvania and Ohio,” he continued, “who doesn’t understand why Joe Biden is willing to buy energy from tinpot dictators across the world when he could buy it from his own citizens right here in our own country.”

Vance also applauded his mom during his address, who struggled with substance use but has now been sober for 10 years. The crowd broke into chants of "JD's mom."

− Savannah Kuchar

J.D. Vance officially accepts nomination, talks about his childhood beginnings

JD Vance officially accepted the nomination for vice president on Wednesday night. In his speech to convention attendees, he discussed growing up in Middleton, Ohio, where people “spoke their minds, built with their hands, and loved their God, family, community, and country with their whole hearts.”

“But it was also a place that had been cast aside and forgotten by America’s ruling class in Washington,” Vance said, criticizing Joe Biden's handling of NAFTA, America's relationship with China and the invasion of Iraq when he served in the Senate.

“Somehow, a real estate developer from New York by the name of Donald J. Trump was right on all of these issues while Biden was wrong. President Trump knew, even then, that we needed leaders who would put America first,” Vance said.

−Sudiksha Kochi

Usha Vance introduces husband JD Vance ahead of VP nominee speech

Usha Vance, JD Vance's wife, introduced her husband ahead of his vice-presidential nominee acceptance speech and said she was initially “at a loss” for what to say.

“What could I say that hasn’t already been said before?” Usha Vance said. “After all, the man was already the subject of a Ron Howard movie.” JD Vance's bestselling memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy" was turned into a film.

The vice president nominee’s spouse went on to describe how the pair met at law school.

“He was then, as now, the most interesting person I knew,” she said, ahead of JD Vance’s entrance on stage.

− Savannah Kuchar

Donald Trump Jr. calls on Republicans to ‘fight’ to give his father another term

Donald Trump Jr. on Wednesday called on Republicans to “fight” with their vote to elect Donald Trump back to the presidency – invoking the former president’s message after an assassination attempt at his rally over the weekend.

“He may have moved to the ground but he stood back up and when he did, my father raised his fist into the air, he looked out at the crowd and what did he say?” Trump Jr. asked the convention-goers.

“Fight,” the attendees chanted back. Trump Jr. vowed that the GOP will fight, with their voices and their vote this fall.

Trump Jr., the former president’s eldest son, also compared Trump’s reaction after getting shot in the right ear during the assassination attempt on America’s spirit: “When he stood up with blood on his face, and the flag on his back, the world saw a spirit that could never be broken,” Trump Jr. said. “And that is the true spirit of America.”

At the beginning of his speech, Trump Jr. honored firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the shooting at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.

− Rebecca Morin

Kai Trump, Donald Trump's 17-year-old granddaughter , addresses RNC

Kai Trump, Donald Trump’s 17-year-old granddaughter, told convention attendees that she sees a side of her grandfather that most people don’t see.

“He calls me during the middle of the school day to ask how my golf game is going and tells me all about his… even when he's going through all these court cases, he always asks me how I'm doing. He always encourages me to push myself to be the most successful person I can be. Obviously, he sets the bar pretty high but who knows, maybe one day I'll catch him.”

She said she was “shocked” when she heard the former president had been injured in a shooting on Saturday at his Pennsylvania rally.

“I just wanted to know if he was okay,” she said. “It was heartbreaking that someone would do that to another person. A lot of people put my grandpa through hell, and he's still standing."

− Sudiksha Kochi

Senators press secret service for answers on Donald Trump assassination attempt

A group of senators confronted head of secret service Kimberly Cheatle while in Milwaukee at the convention, according to a post on X by Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn.

“You owe the people answers,” Blackburn can be heard saying in a video she shared on the platform.

Lawmakers have raised questions and concerns in the wake of the assassination attempt against Trump about potential gaps in security at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. They've also raised concerns about future, high-profile events during election season.

− Savannah Kuchar

Trump: Shooting "changes your attitude, your viewpoint toward life"

As he prepares his acceptance speech on Thursday, Donald Trump says his near-death experience has changed him.

Something like that "changes your attitude, your viewpoint toward life," Trump told a group of supporters at a private event on the sidelines of the convention, according to a video obtained by PBS News.

"You appreciate God even more,” Trump said. The former president also said, "this has been our best campaign and then I got shot. ... How does that happen?"

− David Jackson

Family of service members killed in Kabul airport bombing

The families of service members killed in a suicide bombing at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021 gave emotional remarks about losing their loved ones. They also criticized Joe Biden's handling to the attack and complimented Donald Trump's response.

− Marina Pitofsky

Who is in the MAGA box with Donald Trump? Donald Trump Jr., Marco Rubio seen during Kimberly Guilfoyle speech

Kimberly Guilfoyle, fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., took the stage following Donald Trump’s arrival for night three of the RNC.

Along with Trump's oldest son, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (each floated as potential running mates going into this week) sat alongside the former president to watch Guilfoyle’s speech.

− Savannah Kuchar

Donald Trump enters convention floor

Donald Trump entered the convention floor just before 8 p.m. CT to cheers. He was once again wearing a bandage on his ear after he was injured in the shooting at his campaign rally on Saturday.

− Marina Pitofsky

Kellyanne Conway courts female voters

Kellyanne Conway, former counselor to Trump, used her time on stage to make an appeal to women – a voting bloc that Trump has lagged with, compared to men.

Conway described a meeting during her time with Trump’s administration that included her, the former president and four other women.

“I soon realized that among us we had 19 children, at the time ages two through 16,” Conway said. “Show me a C-suite in America where five working moms of 19 young children could have the highest rank in the company and work alongside the president.”

“In the Trump White House, we lived it.”

−Savannah Kuchar

Doug Burgum jokes about his pre-debate injury before addressing America's energy sector

The last time he was in Milwaukee for the first Republican primary debate, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum joked to convention attendees, he was standing on one leg for two hours after suffering an Achilles injury.

Now, he’s on stage rooting for Trump and an issue he's long focused on: energy dominance.

“Who will make America energy dominant? Again, who will make America energy dominant?” Burgum called on the crowd as they shouted Trump. “It’s after 4pm in DC. So how about one more time loud enough to wake up Joe Biden. Who will make America energy dominant?”

− Sudiksha Kochi

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott talks immigration on stage

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in his convention address referenced his controversial decision last year to send thousands of migrants by buses to various cities led by Democrats, including Washington.

“When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris refused to even come to Texas and to see the border crisis that they created, I took the border to them,” Abbott said.

−Savannah Kuchar

Sarah Phillips, an engineer who was at Trump rally attacked by gunman, addresses RNC

Sarah Phillips, a petroleum engineer who was at Donald Trump's rally on Saturday, when a gunman tried to assassinate him, addressed the RNC on Wednesday.

She addressed her experience after the shooting, telling the crowd "Thank God President Trump is alive." But she also criticized Joe Biden's handling of the American energy industry, accusing him of "crushing everyday Americans like you and me."

− Marina Pitofsky

Navarro takes stage after prison sentence, slams justice system

Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro took the stage hours after completing a four-month federal prison sentence.

In his speech, he accused the federal justice system of corruption without evidence.

“If they can come for me, and if they can come for Donald Trump,” Navarro told convention-goers, “be careful – they will come for you.”

Navarro was convicted on two charges of contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas from the House committee that investigated the Capitol attack of Jan. 6, 2021.

He immediately received cheers and applause as he addressed the convention floor. He also brought his fiance on stage as he concluded his speech.

− Savannah Kuchar and Karissa Waddick

Newt Gingrich contrasts Biden and Trump’s handling of foreign policy

Former House Speaker and 2012 presidential candidate Newt Gingrich criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Israel-Hamas conflict and America's relationship with China.

He told the Republican crowd that Trump “understands that only a firm, courageous policy of strength will work in a dangerous world.”

− Sudiksha Kochi

Matt Gaetz mocks Bob Menendez day after conviction in corruption case

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., took a swipe at Democrats with a reference to Sen. Bob Menendez, who was convicted on over a dozen counts yesterday in his corruption case.

“Under Biden-Harris, inflation has gotten so bad, you can no longer bribe Democrat Senator with cash alone,” Gaetz said. “You have to use gold bars just so the bribes hold value.”

Menendez was found guilty Tuesday on charges related to accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including in the form of gold bars.

− Savannah Kuchar

Former acting director of national intelligence calls Washington ‘capital of the world’

Richard Grenell, who served as the former acting director of national intelligence in the Trump administration, told convention attendees that Washington stopped being the capital of the U.S. and called it the “capital of the world.”

“Back then, Republicans believed America's duty was to spread democracy by military force,” he said. “We were misled about weapons of mass destruction. We intervened in other countries' affairs and signed treaties that only benefited other nations. We spent too many years ignoring America's priorities.”

He then argued that there was only one man “with the strength to call out the lies and failures of both Democrats and Republicans:" Donald Trump.

“Donald Trump doesn't care if you're gay or straight, black, brown or white, or what gender you are. He knows that we are all Americans and that it's time to put America first,” he said.

− Sudiksha Kochi

RNC vibe check: Somber but confident in a Trump victory

Donald Trump's conventioneers are experiencing a mix of emotions this week: Reverent, somewhat subdued over Saturday's assassination attempt, and supremely confident that victory is at hand.

It's complicated when your candidate is nearly killed.

From the food trucks along Wisconsin Avenue to the convention hall at Fiserv Forum, Trump Republicans marvel at Trump's survival of an assassination attempt, along with the political struggles of Democratic President Joe Biden.

While concerned about Trump's health - his bandaged ear has become an icon, and some delegates have patched their own ears in solidarity - most Republicans are also giddy at the prospect that Trump may come out of this week's convention in the battleground state of Wisconsin as a stronger presidential candidate.

− David Jackson

Ronny Jackson kicks off speakers with criticism for Kamala Harris

Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, led the round of speakers Wednesday by criticizing President Joe Biden and, most pointedly, Vice President Kamala Harris.

“She has not been truthful with us,” Jackson said, referring to Biden’s decision to remain in the presidential race. “She has lied to us. She has put party above country and she is as unfit in character as Joe Biden is in body and mind.”

Should Biden change his mind and exit the race, Harris is the top candidate to take his spot running against Trump.

− Savannah Kuchar

How long is the Republican National Convention?

The Republican National Convention is four days total, running from Monday through Thursday.

Trump is expected to speak on the final night, while his running mate, JD Vance, headlines Wednesday.

− Savannah Kuchar

Who is Usha Vance?

Usha Vance, the wife of J. D. Vance is a litigator for a law firm based in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

The daughter of Indian immigrants, Usha Vance grew up in San Diego and met Vance when they both attended Yale Law School. She was a registered Democrat as of 2014, according to the New York Times.

Usha Vance has previously clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the Times reported. The couple have three young children: Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

– Sudiksha Kochi and Haley BeMiller

Sarah Huckabee Sanders says 'great possibility' Tom Cotton would serve in second Trump administration

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at an event hosted by CNN and Politico at the Republican convention Wednesday that there is a “great possibility” that Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., could serve in a second Trump administration, according to the Washington Post.

She pointed to the CIA or Department of Defense for the Republican senator's potential position − if Donald Trump is elected to a second term in office.

− Sudiksha Kochi

What time does JD Vance speak?

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s newly minted running mate, is expected to take the stage between 9 and 10 CT tonight.

His wife, Usha Vance, will also be giving remarks.

– Sudiksha Kochi

Who is sponsoring the RNC? Hint: It's not Starbucks

Organizers for the Republican National Convention raised more than $85 million in donations from companies, organizations, and individuals, surpassing their initial goal of $70 million.

Here's a snapshot of some of the convention's contributors.

– Maya Marchel Hoff

Trump campaign burns Biden over VP debate, implying he may not head the ticket

Donald Trump ’s presidential campaign slapped President Joe Biden ’s re-election team on Wednesday over questions about the timing for a debate between the candidates’ vice-presidential nominees.

Vice President Kamala Harris has already accepted three potential dates for a debate with Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio. In late May, Harris accepted an invitation by CBS News to debate on either July 23 or Aug. 13. She accepted a third potential date – Aug. 12 – on Wednesday. The Trump-Vance campaign has yet to commit to any vice-presidential debate.

The Trump campaign suggested Wednesday its hands are tied because it doesn’t know who will be on the Democratic ticket.

“We don’t know who the Democratic nominee for vice president is going to be, so we can’t lock in a date before their convention,” said Brian Hughes, a Trump campaign senior adviser.

– Michael Collins

Babydog on stage, with 2024 ‘prediction’

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice appeared at the convention Tuesday, with a special guest – his four-year-old English bulldog, Babydog.

The chubby pup, famous in his home state, had her own chair on stage next to Justice, who touted Trump and Republicans' chances in 2024.

“Babydog’s got a prediction for everybody here, and here’s the prediction: Babydog says we’ll retain the House, the majority in the House. We’re going to flip the United States Senate,” Justice said. “And overwhelmingly we’re going to elect Donald J. Trump and JD Vance in November.”

– Savannah Kuchar

Anti-Trump group releases new ad knocking JD Vance

The anti-Trump Lincoln Project dropped an ad Wednesday highlighting Ohio Sen. JD Vance’s past criticism of the former president.

The roughly 90-second spot, geofenced around the Republican National Committee in Milwaukee, features Donald Trump reading lyrics to “The Snake.” Trump has referred to the song during campaign events to illustrate his position on immigration.

Peppered throughout the ad are Vance’s comments about Trump during the 2016 election cycle, including interviews where he called Trump “noxious” and referred to himself as a “never Trump guy.”

Vance is now one of Trump’s closest allies and has said the former president proved him wrong.

- Haley BeMiller

First campaign ad from official Trump, Vance ticket

The Trump campaign has its first major advertisement since Ohio Sen. JD Vance’s became the official GOP vice presidential nominee.

The two-and-half minute video released Wednesday does not feature an appearance from Vance but concludes with both candidates’ names on screen.

In it, Trump promises to “totally obliterate the deep state” and criticized the multiple criminal investigations he's facing.

– Savannah Kuchar

Trump’s Republican National Convention fuses faith and politics

Trump has emerged as an unlikely spiritual figurehead as a political leader, experts told USA TODAY, fusing faith and politics at a level never seen before.

Arizona State University religious studies professor Terry Shoemaker said feelings of fear in the wake of the Pennsylvania shooting, relief at Trump’s recovery and excitement for his reelection chances is a perfect storm for "a more profound kind of civil religious experience" in Milwaukee this week.

There was a wide array of religious symbolism on the floor of the Fiserv Forum the first night of the convention, where a panoply of screens beamed images of the American flag and Christian cross onto an eager crowd between speeches.

Sudiksha Kochi, Melissa Brown, BrieAnna Frank and Chris Ullery

When is the Democratic National Convention?

The DNC will be held from August 19 and run through August 22. It'll be held in Chicago. This year marks the first time the convention will take place in Chicago since 1996, when former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term.

– Victor Hagan

Jon Stewart addresses ‘The Daily Show’s’ Milwaukee RNC cancellation

“The Daily Show” was originally slated to film several episodes this week in front of an audience at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After the assassination attempt against Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally on Saturday, the show announced that it was canceling its Milwaukee appearances “due to logistical issues and the evolving situation in Milwaukee.” Jon Stewart later said the venue changed its security approach following the stunning attack.

The perimeter boundaries did not change in the aftermath of the attempted assassination, although Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said Monday that the agency had “strengthened” its security plan for the RNC.

– Amy Schwabe and Sudiksha Kochi

Where is Mike Pence during the RNC?

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who was Donald Trump's running mate in 2016 and 2020, is spending time in Indiana while Republicans gather for the RNC in Milwaukee.

Pence, the former Indiana governor, refused Trump's wishes to try to block certification of the 2020 election results on Jan. 6, 2021 – an act Pence has insisted he never had the authority to do. The former VP also launched his own bid for president last year.

This week, Trump chose Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. as his 2024 running mate. Vance is expected to speak at the RNC Wednesday night.

Pence posted on X on Wednesday afternoon that he stopped at three nonprofits in the Fort Wayne area.

"Truly Inspiring Day in Fort Wayne Indiana with friends making a difference for vulnerable families and kids," Pence said in the post. "Grateful for the work at Pearl Street Arts, Bridge of Grace Ministries and Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne! God Bless You All!"

– Brittany Carloni

Who is Amber Rose?

Democratic strategist and CNN commentator Van Jones called it the "most effective" speech of Day 1 at the RNC, and the "most dangerous" for Democrats.

Conservative U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna from Florida posted "Beauty and brains" after the speech was over.

They weren't talking about a politician. They were talking about Amber Rose, 40-year-old model, influencer, entrepreneur and former reality TV star, perhaps the most surprising speaker during the first day — or any day — of the convention in Milwaukee.

– Chesnie Wardell

Amber Rose was a surprising RNC speaker: What did she say? How effective was it?

Eric Trump says he was watching his father's rally with his children during assassination attempt

Eric Trump, Donald Trump's son, told CBS on Wednesday that he never thought he would be sitting on a couch with his two children watching his father “almost get assassinated on live TV.” Trump’s right was injured during the shooting, and he’s wearing a bandage over it during the Republican convention.

“It’s severe. You know, this isn’t - this isn’t fun. He always said it was the greatest earache he’s ever had,” Eric Trump said. “And it was far too close. I would say it should have never have happened. You know, he was millimeters away from having his life expunged. ... I’m sure the ear doesn’t feel well.”

He added that his father has no stitches but “certainly a nice flesh wound.”

– Sudiksha Kochi

Who is Ronny Jackson?

Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, is slated to speak Wednesday at the Republican National Convention.

Jackson served as White House Physician under the Obama and Trump administrations. He has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump.

Over the weekend, Jackson said his nephew was injured during the assassination attempt of Trump. Jackson said he helped set up his nephew to attend the rally on Saturday. He said his nephew’s injury “was not serious and he is doing well.”

– Rebecca Morin

Kamala Harris agrees to third possible VP debate date

Vice President Kamala Harris has now accepted three potential dates for a vice-presidential debate hosted by CBS News, according to a Biden-Harris campaign official.

In late May, Harris accepted an invitation by the network for a debate on either July 23 or Aug. 13. On Wednesday, she also accepted Aug. 12 as a potential date.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, named Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate on Monday. Vance has yet to accept the proposed CBS debate.

— Karissa Waddick

Will J.D. Vance’s religious background sway Catholic voters?

Religion experts told USA TODA Y it is unlikely Vance’s religious background will sway Catholic voters as he seeks to shore up support for the Republican ticket.

“People are already pretty committed to their positions. And JD Vance being Catholic or not Catholic is really, I don't think going to change anything,” said Cristina Traina, the Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J. Chair of Catholic Theology at Fordham University.

Vance’s selection as Trump’s running mate was unsurprising to Chris Devine , a political science professor at the University of Dayton, a Catholic university in Vance’s home state of Ohio. But it’s because of Vance’s loyalty to Trump, not his religion, that Devine believed he was added to the ticket.

Devine co-authored the 2020 book , “Do Running Mates Matter? The Influence of Vice Presidential Candidates in Presidential Elections” alongside Kyle Kopko . The duo’s research suggested Catholic vice presidential nominees did not move the needle among Catholic voters in past elections.

— Sudiksha Kochi and BrieAnna Frank

Trump pollster says New Jersey, Virginia, Minnesota in play

Trump campaign pollster John McLaughlin said during an interview on CNN Wednesday that he believes the possibility of traditionally blue states like New Jersey, Minnesota and Virginia voting for Trump is “very real” this election.

In Virginia, for instance, McLaughlin pointed to internal polling showing Trump performing well with African American voters and military service members.

“We leading in the battleground states. We're leading in the national polls. We never saw that in 2016,” McLaughlin said.

A recent Cook Political Report aggregate of national polls found Trump leading Joe Biden 47% to 45%.

— Karissa Waddick

JD Vance speech to highlight is childhood, upbringing

Ohio Sen. JD Vance will recount his journey from poverty to the vice presidential nomination during his primetime speech at the Republican National Convention tonight.

Vance is expected to share how he grew up with a mother addicted to drugs and no constant father figure in his life, according to a source familiar with his prepared remarks. That story is outlined in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which thrust Vance into the national spotlight during the 2016 election cycle.

Vance will share how his upbringing informed his views on key campaign issues, including trade, immigration and the fentanyl crisis, the source said.

In announcing his running mate, Donald Trump said the senator will help his campaign reach Rust Belt voters, particularly in the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Michigan.

— Haley BeMiller

Who is speaking tonight at the RNC? The Day 3 speaker list

Wednesday night’s lineup of speakers at the RNC includes longtime Trump allies, U.S. House members, passed up VP picks and everyday Americans. The most anticipated speech of the night will come from Trump’s running mate, JD Vance.

Here’s a look at some of the top speakers:

• Ohio Sen. JD Vance, GOP vice presidential nominee
• Donald Trump Jr.
• Kellyanne Conway, former counselor to Trump during his presidency
• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
• North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum
• Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Here's more on the Wednesday lineup.

— Karissa Waddick

Peter Navarro slated to speak hours after release from prison

Donald Trump’s former adviser Peter Navarro will speak at the RNC on Wednesday just hours after he completed a federal prison sentence. Navarro was convicted on two charges of contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas from the House committee that investigated the Capitol attack of Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump’s newly announced running mate, JD Vance , is also expected to take the stage Wednesday. The former presidents 17-year-old granddaughter, Kai Trump, also announced on Instagram that she will speak tonight.

— Karissa Waddick

JD Vance, Trump's new running mate, makes the rounds at GOP convention

Like previous vice presidential nominees, Ohio Sen. JD Vance is making the traditional rounds at the Republican National Convention, including interviews and meetings with prominent people.

One such meeting comes Thursday, when Vance meets with fellow Republican senators in a closed session sponsored by the "Senate Opportunity Fund."

Vance also has an important appointment tonight: His acceptance speech.

— David Jackson

Is JD Vance now the Republican front-runner for 2028?

With his ascension to the 2024 presidential ticket as Donald Trump’s running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance has vaulted into the role of heir-apparent of the MAGA movement and become instant White House contender for 2028.

Donald Trump Jr. said the nomination means there’s “a very high chance” Vance could become president in 2028 if he and Trump win in November.

“(Vance is) the one guy in that movement that’s a current politician that’s out there that actually, really speaks sort of to the ‘America First’ people,” he said at an event hosted by Axios Tuesday . “It isn’t like we’ll be right back to the establishment. … That’s where our base is. That’s where the Republican Party is.”

— Brianne Pfannenstiel

In a redefined GOP, populism and a new coalition

It's his party.

Donald Trump's takeover of the GOP has been on full display at the Republican National Convention — an even more complete transformation than at the two previous conventions that nominated him and propelled him to four years in the White House.

With a big win in 2016 and a volatile loss in 2020, Trump has managed to replace Ronald Reagan as the party's touchstone, excised the Bush dynasty that had been a political power and launched two presidencies, and pummeled the ranks of moderate Republicans into flight or silence.

Read more on Trump's takeover of the Republican Party.

— Susan Page

Who is Lara Trump? RNC co-chair delivers Day 2 finale

Lara Trump is co-chair of the Republican National Committee and Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law. She delivered the final speech of Day 2 at the RNC on Tuesday, describing Trump as “exactly what this country needs right now.”

She became co-chair of the RNC in March after serving as an adviser to Trump’s 2020 campaign . Lara Trump is married to Trump’s third son, Eric.

— Karissa Waddick

Haley, DeSantis promote GOP unity

At one time Republicans Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley were doing all they could to warn primary voters that Donald Trump couldn't win the 2024 presidential election.

But millions of ballots and an attempted assassination has changed all that.

The two affirmed Trump's perch on the party's mountaintop and further solidified this week's presentation that conservatives are closing ranks as Democrats remain divided over President Joe Biden's nomination.

"President Trump asked me to speak to this convention in the name of unity," Haley told delegates. "It was a gracious invitation and I was happy to accept."

Don't miss our key RNC Day 2 takeaways.

— Phillip M. Bailey

Kamala Harris calls JD Vance a ‘rubber stamp’ for Trump’s agenda

Vice President Kamala Harris slammed former President Donald Trump’s new running mate, JD Vance, describing him as a “rubber stamp” for Trump’s “extreme agenda,” in a video published on Wednesday.

“Make no mistake: JD Vance will be loyal only to Trump, not to our country,” Harris said in her 45-second-long, direct-to-camera address. She criticized Vance for supporting Trump’s efforts to undermine the 2020 election, national abortion restrictions and voting against IVF protections in the Senate.

Harris and Vance spoke over the phone on Tuesday. The pair are widely anticipated to face off against one another in a debate later this year, but have yet to agree on a host or a date.

— Karissa Waddick

Why Republicans see a chance to flip the rhetorical script on Biden

After Saturday's shooting at a Donald Trump rally, Republicans have accused Democrats and President Joe Biden of trafficking in dangerous rhetoric.

Tired of Democrats calling them autocrats, dismissing their policies as a threat to democracy and being blamed for violent political rhetoric, Republicans see a chance to flip the script on Biden and his main campaign message.

— Sarah D. Wire

What happened on Day 2 of the Republican National Convention

While the second day of the RNC focused on immigration and border security, the other theme was unity.

Nikki Haley, who ran against Trump in the 2024 Republican primary and received a mixed response when she entered the stage, threw her support to the former president. Haley previously was not scheduled to speak at the convention and often criticized Trump on the campaign trail.

“Donald Trump has my strong endorsement. Period,” she said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy also spoke Tuesday night where they advocated for a Trump presidency.

— Rebecca Morin

Make America Strong Once Again: What does Wednesday’s RNC theme mean?

Day 3 of the Republican National Convention is “ Make America Strong Once Again ,” and will focus on foreign policy, border security and the United States standing on the world stage.

USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network have around 60 journalists on the ground in Milwaukee and you can follow along with our live blog for updates throughout the day.

— Rebecca Morin

Who is Trump's VP pick JD Vance?

JD Vance , 39, is a first-term senator from Ohio, who skyrocketed to fame after publishing his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.”

Vance was first elected to the Senate in 2022 with no prior political experience, but he had widespread name recognition in light of his bestselling book. “Hillbilly Elegy,” later turned into a Netflix feature film, detailed Vance’s journey from a childhood riddled with abuse to a Yale Law School degree that opened doors for him in Silicon Valley.

While Vance was previously critical of Trump, at one point comparing him to an opioid and saying he could be “America’s Hitler,” he changed his tune ahead of his 2022 Senate race. Since then, Vance has become a loyal ally to Trump. He is also close with one of Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr.

— Haley BeMiller and Riley Beggin

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RNC replay: JD Vance officially accepts VP nomination at Republican convention