Jul 17, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Donald Trump Jr. at RNC: "America is Trump tough"

Donald Trump Jr., son of former U.S. President Donald Trump waves from the stage after speaking on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. — Donald Trump Jr. after speaking on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17 in Milwaukee, Wis. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Donald Trump Jr. said Wednesday that he's "never been prouder" of former President Trump than after his reaction to the assassination attempt at his campaign rally on Saturday.

Why it matters: Republicans have embraced as a symbol the image of Trump with blood on his face, pumping his fist after a bullet grazed him, in the days since the attack. Trump Jr. has been a key surrogate in carrying out the message of resilience.

"That is when the world found out there is tough and then there is Trump tough," Trump Jr. said on the third night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. "The good news is, America is Trump tough."

Zoom in: Trump Jr. spoke before Usha Vance and J.D. Vance, who was announced as former President Trump's running mate earlier this week.

"We grew up worlds apart, yet now, we're both fighting side by side to save the country we love," Trump Jr. said of Vance.
Trump Jr. personally advocated for his close friend, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), to be selected as his father's running mate — a signal of the eldest Trump son's burgeoning ascension in the GOP's MAGA generation.
The 39-year-old Vance, once a harsh Trump critic who became one of the former president's closest allies, could keep the torch of Trumpism burning far into the future — as could 46-year-old Trump Jr., with his growing influence in the party.

The big picture: The former president's son has wielded significant influence behind the scenes in the party, positioning himself as a gatekeeper for the presidential transition hiring should his father win the election.

"I don't want to pick a single person for a position of power, all I want to do is block the guys that would be a disaster," he told Axios' Mike Allen Tuesday at an Axios House event.
Vance has said of Trump Jr.: "With the exception of his dad, I'm not sure I've seen anyone who has a stronger natural connection to our base."

Go deeper: Exclusive: Donald Trump Jr. says he's been blacklisted by Fox News

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Donald Trump Jr. at RNC: "America is Trump tough"

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