Trump Picks J.D. Vance as Running Mate for 2024

On the opening day of the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump announced his choice for vice president: J.D. Vance, a 39-year-old senator and former Marine. Once a vocal critic of Trump, Vance has evolved into one of his most ardent supporters.

Vance, known for his ambitious and ideological stance, has shown a strong ability to galvanize donors and the public. He has notably opposed U.S. aid for Ukraine, leading a failed Senate campaign to block a $60 billion aid package. Should Trump secure a second term, Vance’s position as vice president could set him up as a potential future presidential candidate.

Trump made his first public appearance since surviving an assassination attempt, his right ear bandaged. The convention attendees cheered and shouted "fight," echoing Trump’s gesture from the night of the attack, now a symbol of defiance for his supporters.

Details about the assassination attempt reveal that the gunman, Thomas Crooks, was described by former classmates as intelligent but reclusive. The FBI is examining Crooks’ phone for possible motives, though no significant clues have been reported yet.

In a surprising legal twist, federal judge Aileen Cannon dismissed all charges against Trump related to his handling of classified documents. The judge ruled that the special counsel who indicted Trump had been unconstitutionally appointed, a decision that disrupts long-standing Justice Department procedures.