Tag: GOP convention

Trump cancels Jacksonville portion of GOP convention

Axios logoPresident Trump says he’s canceled the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, citing health concerns over the coronavirus and a need to protect the public.

What he’s saying: Trump made the announcement from the White House briefing room, saying he would still give a speech accepting the nomination “in a different form,” and that delegates still would convene in Charlotte, N.C., earlier that week as planned for party business. Trump claims he told his team “the timing for this event is not right, it’s just not right,” adding, “I have to protect the American people.”

Our thought bubble:In the wake of the Tulsa rally debacle, where many of Trump’s elderly supporters stayed away for fear of COVID-19, Trump’s aides have been urging him to publicly address their concerns. Continue reading.

Republicans scale back convention in Jacksonville due to coronavirus concerns

The Hill logoRepublicans announced Thursday they will scale back the Republican National Convention in August as coronavirus cases rise in Florida, where President Trump is expected to deliver a speech accepting his party’s nomination for reelection.

Ronna Romney McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), informed members of the decision in a letter on Thursday that blamed the pandemic for the changes.

The letter states that admittance to the convention in Jacksonville, Fla., will be limited only to regular delegates for the first three days, amounting to a crowd of about 2,500 people. Trump shifted the site of the celebration from North Carolina to Florida when it appeared the Jacksonville site might allow for large gatherings. Continue reading.