Donald Trump says will accept Republican nomination ‘live from the White House'
Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would accept the Republican nomination for a second term during a live speech at the White House next week, confirming plans that have drawn criticism from Democrats and even some fellow Republicans.
Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering?
Trailing Democrat Joe Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November vote, Trump last week told the New York Post he would "probably" accept the Republican nomination from the White House lawn, calling it "a place that makes me feel good."
Also read:Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards
The coronavirus pandemic has forced both political parties to overhaul their national conventions. Rather than an in-person gathering planned for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Democrats this week have scheduled four nights of virtual speeches and events.
Also read:As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder
Speaking during a campaign swing through Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Trump criticized Democrats for pre-recording some speeches.
"We are doing a real speech on Thursday, next Thursday, so you will be listening live from the White House. We have plenty to say," Trump said. His speech is scheduled for the final day of next week's Republican convention.
Democrats have accused Trump of politicizing the historic residence. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the country's leading elected Democrat, said Trump would once again "degrade the White House" by using it for a political event.
Trump insists that his plans will not violate the 1939 Hatch Act, which bars government employees from using official authority to interfere with the outcome of an election, since it exempts the president.
)
Aamir Khan and his girlfriend Gauri Spratt visit actor Dharmendra in hospital
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From India to China: The 10 countries with the most difficult education systems in the world
)
3I/ATLAS hiding pristine material, but is no longer a relic of its past — Study examines NASA data
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
The 5 largest empires in world history — Ranked by land area
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
US Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary: 5 must-watch movies based on Marine Corps- Full Metal Jacket, A Few Good Men
)
HIGH ALERT in Bangladesh after bomb blasts, arson at various locations in Dhaka - What we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Virat Kohli to Quinton de Kock, 5 batters fastest to 7000 runs in ODIs
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters fastest to 3000 runs in ODIs, surprisingly no Indian on the list
)
Ricin: The new bio-weapon on the block threatening global security—Know what makes this chemical so dangerous?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Which country has the longest train route in the world
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Tale of the Nine Tailed to Touch Your Heart: Popular k-dramas featuring Lee Dong Wook
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 Unhappiest countries in the world 2025: Is India one of them?
But even if Trump were exempt, convention-related activities at the White House could still put other government officials at risk of violating the law, legal experts say.
Trump's busy campaign schedule this week represents a break from tradition. Candidates from one party usually limit their activities during their rivals' convention week.