Trump has gone back and forth on how much time each speaker should have, whether segments should be recorded or live, and where he should give his acceptance speech. He has reached out to an array of allies for input.
The president weighed in on staging and had ultimate sign-off on the speaker lineup, insisting on that few of his staunchest supporters receive much-coveted slots. They included New York Rep. Elise Stefanik and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who both played lead roles opposing the Democratic impeachment inquiry. The president has held several convention-focused meetings with advisers in recent weeks, and first lady Melania Trump has also been intimately involved…
Some people originally slated to speak in Jacksonville were cut in place of others who would fit better into the overall concept of a “people’s convention.” Aides met several times after business hours at the headquarters to go over prospects before bringing a revised list to Trump.
They ultimately settled on 125 names. Among the picks was the St. Louis couple who earlier this summer pointed a firearm at protesters. The idea of including them was raised and immediately agreed upon at a planning meeting. Trump aides saw it as an opportunity to highlight the president’s support for gun rights and to agitate liberals.
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