The Republican National Committee (RNC) is making contingency plans for the upcoming Republican National Convention, acknowledging the possibility that former President Donald Trump may be unable to attend in person due to ongoing legal issues.Preparations are underway both at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida residence, and in Milwaukee, the convention's host city, to ensure Trump can still address attendees remotely if necessary. According to sources familiar with the planning, this dual-location approach is in response to Trump's recent legal troubles and potential sentencing.
"President Trump will be featured as an active part of this official event and celebration of our pathway to victory in November,” stated senior adviser Brian Hughes. However, Hughes later emphasized that all plans assume Trump will attend the convention in person to accept his nomination.
Trump's legal challenges stem from a New York jury's conviction last month on 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to a hush money payment during the 2016 campaign. His sentencing is set for July 11, just four days before the convention. Potential penalties range from fines and probation to up to four years in prison per count, with home confinement being a possible outcome.
In light of these circumstances, the RNC is planning for a technologically advanced convention stage in Milwaukee, capable of projecting speakers into the hall. This setup would allow Trump to participate remotely if he is under house arrest. A Republican operative who toured the convention site noted that the stage is designed to be the most high-tech ever, facilitating remote participation.
RNC Chair Michael Whatley highlighted the stage design as “the centerpiece of a world-class production and a historic experience,” blending technological innovation with artistic vision.
Despite the preparations, the notion of Trump being under house arrest during the convention was not explicitly discussed during site tours. Nonetheless, a Trump campaign official confirmed that the possibility of remote participation due to house arrest is part of the planning process.
Trump, who has yet to announce his vice-presidential running mate, has indicated that the announcement will occur at the convention. His campaign has not commented on how a remote appearance might impact the timing and planning of this announcement.
Legal experts suggest that Trump might seek to have his sentence suspended pending appeal, which could allow him to attend the convention freely. If he is unable to attend, he would be the first major-party nominee in recent history to miss the event, a critical moment for formally accepting the nomination and delivering a keynote address.
In his 2016 convention speech in Cleveland, Trump opened with, "Friends, delegates, and fellow Americans: I humbly and gratefully accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States." He also delivered an in-person speech at the 2020 convention in Jacksonville, Florida, which was relocated from North Carolina due to pandemic-related restrictions.
As the RNC prepares for every eventuality, the Republican Party is focused on ensuring a successful convention that highlights their nominee, regardless of the format.
