In a display of party unity, former President Donald Trump welcomed his vanquished rivals at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The event saw prominent figures such as Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Ted Cruz take the stage to express their support for Trump and launch scathing attacks on President Joe Biden.

Haley, who had taken more than two months to endorse Trump after her own White House bid, addressed those with doubts about the former president's capabilities. DeSantis, once an ally-turned-challenger, delivered a robust critique of Biden's policies. Cruz, who had faced boos and jeers at the 2016 convention, was met with applause as he thanked Trump for his support following an assassination attempt against him at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Trump observed the proceedings from his private box, accompanied by his newly chosen running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance. Marco Rubio, who had been a fierce rival and critic of Trump in 2016, delivered the night's keynote address, focusing on the heroic actions of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who shielded his family during the rally shooting.

The convention aimed to showcase a united GOP, even after Trump himself survived the recent attack. As Biden faces scrutiny over his poor debate performance, Republicans sought to keep rhetoric to a minimum while referring to the shooting incident. However, some speakers and a video played for delegates placed blame on Biden for alleged deaths caused by undocumented immigrants and baselessly accused him of supporting noncitizen voting.

Efforts to expand the Republican party were also evident, with Haley reaching out to Trump skeptics and former Democrats speaking in support of him. A series of GOP Senate candidates introduced themselves and took aim at their Democratic rivals. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice even took the stage with his English bulldog, Babydog, delighting the crowd.

The convention also saw sharp criticism of Biden, Harris, and the media. Former Representative Mike Rogers, who is running for a Senate seat in Michigan, condemned the Biden-Harris open border policy, claiming that it allows violent gangs, fentanyl, and individuals on the terrorist watch list easy access into the country.

As the convention progressed, Trump's presence and the show of support from his former rivals served as a rallying point for the Republican party. The event aimed to project a united front while emphasizing Trump's policies, solidifying their base, and mounting a strong opposition to the Biden administration.