Code Pink protestors make their way up E. 4th Street Wednesday outside of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News 20-year-old Pennsylvania alternate delegate Jonathan Hayes shows off his collection of campaign buttons at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A protestor recites the bible Wednesday outside of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News GOP themed shoes on the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Improv actors goof on Donald Trump and the Republican Party Wednesday on Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio during the Republican National Convention. - Credit: FOX News Musicians perform in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument Wednesday on Public square in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News California delegates dance at the start of Day 3 at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 2016. - Credit: FOX News California delegates dance at the start of Day 3 at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Ohio friends Christina Frygier and Elizabeth Rees pass out Hillary and Trump fans on Public Square Wednesday during the Republican National Convention. - Credit: FOX News Boy Scouts present the flag at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 2016.. - Credit: FOX News Delegates make their way into the Republican National Convention security perimeter Wednesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News New York delegates chant "Trump" as Eric Trump speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Donald Trump and Mike Pence arrive at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News A protestor seemingly unhappy with both presidential candidates protest on Public Square Wednesday in Cleveland, OH.- Credit: FOX News Protestors with opposing opinions argue Wednesday on Public square in Cleveland, Ohio.- Credit: FOX News A man screams at Police after they entered the intersection of Prospect Ave and E.4th St. on horses to break up a protest outside of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News A man vows to defend the American Flag upon hearing of a scheduled flag Wednesday burning on Prospect Ave. outside of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.- Credit: FOX News Trump protestors make their way onto Public square Wednesday in Cleveland, Ohio.- Credit: FOX News Demonstrators outside RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Delegates photograph Donald Trump speaking via video at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News "Triumph the Insult Comic Dog" at RNC Cleveland - Credit: FOX News Members of the California delegation chant, "Lock her up," at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Members of the California delegation chant, "Lock her up," at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Pennsylvania delegates hold "Trump Digs Coal" signs at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News "Triumph the Insult Comic Dog" at RNC Cleveland - Credit: FOX News A shopper buys Trump merchandise along E. 4th Street outside of the Republican National Convention Tuesday in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Texas delegate Gary Inmon wears a hat autographed by gov. Rick Perry and other Republican luminaries on the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A Black Lives Matter protestor frolicks in the fountain on Public Square Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News New York delegate Donald Trump, Jr., left, and siblings celebrate after announcing New York's vote, clinching the nomination for his father at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Jake Byrd celebrates the nomination of Donald Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Jake Byrd celebrates the nomination of Donald Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Police prepare to clear a path on Prospect Ave at E.4th St. Tuesday outside of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News Don King at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News CodePink protestors rally for gun control Tuesday on Prospect Ave at E.4th St. outside of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News California delegates cheer at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News RNC Cleveland delegate - Credit: FOX News Protesters outside RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Protesters at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Protesters outside RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Protesters at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News RNC Cleveland security - Credit: FOX News Protesters outside RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Protests outside RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Protesters outside RNC Cleveland, OH on July 19, 2016 - Credit: FOX News Protesters confront each other outside RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Florida delegate Roz Lesser wears a Trump visor at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News At work in the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Gov. Mike Huckabee in the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Dutch conservative politician Geert Wilders visits the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News At work in the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Arizona delegate Gail Griffin waits for Day 2 to begin at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News At work in the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News At work in the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News At work in the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News At work in the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A protestor lays out signs on Public square Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News A woman poses with a giant Donald Trump bobblehead outside of the Republican National Convention Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News An RNC volunteer tries out the virtual reality display by the Ohio Visitors group outside of Quicken Loans Arena. - Credit: FOX News Chaos ensues after right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones is involved in a scuffle prior to the start of day two of Republican National Convention Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News Right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones incites the crowd at Public Square shortly before he was involved in a scuffle with police prior to the start of day two of Republican National Convention Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News A protestor wearing a boot on his head jokes around with Cleveland Police Tuesday before things got tense on Public Square Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News The Gettysburg address is shown on a teleprompter at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Members of the media interview a man carrying an assault rifle Tuesday on the streets of Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News Karl Rove, right, pays a visit to the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A bust of Abraham Lincoln for sale in the marketplace outside of the Republican National Convention Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News A pro-Trump supporter makes his case for his candidate on Public Square Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News Opposing protestors converge on Public square Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News Police officers formed a barrier around Public Square Tuesday after opposing protestors convereged causing concern for safety outside of the RNC in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News Cleveland, OH police - Credit: FOX News A truck decorated with anti-Hillary Clinton signage makes it's way through Public Square Tuesday in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Jesse Walters at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Police officers formed a barrier around Public Square Tuesday after opposing protestors convereged causing concern for safety outside of the RNC in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News Demonstrators outside the GOP Convention in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Donald Trump leaves the stage at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Delegate takes photos at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Marcus Luttrell speaks at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Melania Trump - Credit: FOX News Mounted police outside the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Melania Trump - Credit: FOX News Pat Smith speaks at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Rudy Giuliani speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Melania Trump speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Milwaukee County Sheriff David. A Clarke speaks at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Charlie Rose at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News GOP Convention store at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Democrat news conference in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Rudy Giuliani speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Melania Trump - Credit: FOX News California delegates at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Members of the California delegation bow their heads in prayer at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. Gov. Rick Perry during a sound check at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. Members of the Connecticut delegation cheer as Marcus Luttrell speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Willie Robertson speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. Gov. Rick Perry during a sound check at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. Donald Trump on stage at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Benghazi Annex Security Team members Mark Geist and John Tiegen speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Members of the Connecticut delegation listen as Marcus Luttrell speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016.at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Donald Trump on stage at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Scott Baio speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Donald and Melania Trump on stage at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Members of the Connecticut delegation listen as Marcus Luttrell speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016.at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Donald Trump on stage at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Scott Baio speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A woman holds a sign for Clevelanders and visitors along W. 6th St. Monday in downtown Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Pro Trump supporters come to an impass with anti Trump supporters along St. Clair Ave a stop murder by police sign outside of the perimeter entrance to the Republican National Convention Monday in downtown Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Rudy Giuliani speaks at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Code Pink protestors accompanied by a large Donald Trump effigy make their way up St. Clair Ave outside of the perimeter entrance to the RNC Monday night in downtown Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Police line the perimeter entrance along St. Clair Ave outside of the Republican National Convention Monday in downtown Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Benghazi Annex Security Team members Mark Geist and John Tiegen speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Gov. Mike Pence arrives at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Members of the Connecticut delegation cheer as Marcus Luttrell speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Willie Robertson speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A person dressed as a polar bear protest along St. Clair Ave outside of the perimeter entrance to the RNC Monday night in downtown Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News A group representing the End Poverty March talks to the crowd at the end of the march across from Reserve Square along Chester Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Members of the California delegation bow their heads in prayer at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Donald Trump on stage at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Gov. Rick Perry during a sound check at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Gov. Rick Perry during a sound check at the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Police line the perimeter entrance along St. Clair Ave while keeping an eye on protestors carrying a stop murder by police sign outside of the perimeter entrance to the Republican National Convention Monday in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Code Pink protestors accompanied by a large Donald Trump effigy make their way up St. Clair Ave outside of the perimeter entrance to the RNC Monday night in downtown Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News John Bolton at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Police seek shade under an I-90 bridge shortly before the start of the Republican National Convention Monday in downtown Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News A protestor carries a Stop Murder by Police sign at the start of the End Poverty March Monday on E. 45th Street behind the Richard Sering Center in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Bicycle police greet protestors on Chester Ave in Cleveland during the End Poverty March Monday starting at the Richard Sering Center on Superior Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News A protestor yells into a megaphone at the start of the End Poverty March Monday behind the Richard Sering Center on Superior Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News A protestor yells into a megaphone at the start of the End Poverty March Monday behind the Richard Sering Center on Superior Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News "The Five" set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Bret Baier at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Kennedy and Chris Stirewalt at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News The FOX News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News The FOX News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News The FOX News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News James Rosen at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Lou Dobbs at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Bret Baier at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News An RNC protestor holds an anti-Trump sign at the end of the End Poverty March across from Reserve Square near Chester Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Kennedy, Chris Stirewalt, Harris Faulkner and Sandra Smith at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A group representing the End Poverty March talks to the crowd at the end of the march across from Reserve Square along Chester Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Chris Stirewalt, Harris Faulkner and Sandra Smith at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Carl Cameron and Dana Perino at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Juan Williams and Eric Bolling at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News James Rosen and Lou Dobbs at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016.- Credit: FOX News Police keep an eye on the End Poverty March Monday from on top of buildings lining Chester Ave across from Reserve Park Square Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News A protestor tries to make a statement with a boot on his head at the end of the End Poverty March Monday across from Reserve Square along Chester Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News A behind the scenes look of the sets - credit: FOX News A behind the scenes look of the sets - credit: FOX News A behind the scenes look of the sets - credit: FOX News Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Reince Priebus - Chairman, Republican National Committee - Credit: FOX News Quicken Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Cleveland, OH - Credit; FOX News Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Security fences - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Security fences - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Arena with RNC security fence in foreground - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News LeBron James picture across from Quicken Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News #BlackLivesMatter demonstration in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Helicopter patroling Cleveland - Credit: FOX News Black Panthers demonstration in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News No Drones sign at the RNC - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Outside the Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Black Panthers demonstration in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Black Panthers demonstration in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Black Panthers demonstration in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Black Panthers demonstration in Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Cleveland Police - Credit: FOX News Cleveland Police - Credit FOX News Cleveland Police - Credit: FOX News Cleveland Police - Credit: FOX News Anti-Trump protest - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Police Chief Calvin Williams - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Mayor Frank Jackson - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News The Out Numbered set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News The Out Numbered set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News FOX News Channel's workspace at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Kennedy and Rep. Peter King at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Police with canine unit at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Trish Regan on set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Scenes outside of Quicken Loans Arena on Freedom Plaza on Monday prior to the start of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Trish Regan on set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Meghan McCain, Kennedy, Rep. Peter King at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Device on wheels at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Scenes outside of Quicken Loans Arena on Freedom Plaza on Monday prior to the start of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Giant sign welcoming visitors to the RNC outside of Quicken Loans Arena Monday at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Rep. Peter King at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Martha MacCallum on set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Police stop a vehicle at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Rep. Peter King, Kennedy, Meghan McCain, Harris Faulkner on set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Harris Faulkner, Chris Wallace, Meghan McCain on set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News Flags cover the Huron East parking garage across from Freedom Plaza on Monday prior to the start of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Shannon Bream in the FOX News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News The FOX News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Shannon Bream in the Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A Trump supporter open carries a rifle outside the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News Trish Regan in the FOX News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News The FOX News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Protestors prepare for the end poverty march Monday behind the Richard Sering Center on Superior Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News Trish Regan on set at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News The Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Shannon Bream in the FOX News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News The Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A Trump supporter lets out a yell during the Make America Great Again Rally at Settlers Landing Monday a few blocks from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News The Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News Trump supporter Roger Stone speaks to a crowd gathered at Settlers Landing for a Make America Great Again Rally Monday a few blocks from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News The Fox News workspace at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. - Credit: FOX News A protestor holds an anti-Trump sign next to a Stop the Murder by Police sign prior to the End Poverty March Monday behind the Richard Sering Center on Superior Ave in Cleveland, OH. - Credit: FOX News FOX Business Channel's workspace at RNC Cleveland, OH - Credit: FOX News A protestor walks his "dog" outside the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. - Credit: FOX News CLEVELAND (AP) - Declaring America in crisis, Donald Trump pledged to cheering Republicans and still-skeptical voters Thursday night that as president he will restore the safety they fear they're losing, strictly curb immigration and save the nation from Hillary Clinton's record of "death, destruction, terrorism and weakness."
Confidently addressing the finale of his party's less-than-smooth national convention, the billionaire businessman declared the nation's problems too staggering to be fixed within the confines of traditional politics.
"I have joined the political arena so that the powerful can no longer beat up on people that cannot defend themselves," Trump said.
The 70-year-old celebrity businessman's acceptance of the Republican nomination caps his improbable takeover of the GOP, a party that plunges into the general election united in opposition to Clinton but still divided over Trump. Underscoring his unorthodox candidacy, Trump doubled down on the hard-line immigration policies that fired up conservatives in the primary but broke with many in his party by promising protections for gays and lesbians.
His address on the closing night of the convention marked his highest-profile opportunity yet to heal Republican divisions and show voters he's prepared for the presidency. Ever the showman, he fed off the energy of the crowd, stepping back to soak in applause and joining the delegates as they chanted, "U-S-A."
As the crowd, fiercely opposed to Clinton, broke out in its oft-used refrain of "Lock her up," he waved them off, and instead declared, "Let's defeat her in November." Yet he also accused her of "terrible, terrible crimes" and said her greatest achievement may have been avoiding prison for her use of a private email and personal server as secretary of state.
The more than hour-long speech was strikingly dark for a celebratory event and almost entirely lacking in specific policy details. Trump shouted throughout as he read off a teleprompter, showing few flashes of humor or even a smile.
He accused Clinton, his far-more-experienced Democratic rival, of utterly lacking the good judgment to serve in the White House and as the military's commander in chief.
"This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton: death, destruction, terrorism and weakness," he said. "But Hillary Clinton's legacy does not have to be America's legacy."
In a direct appeal to Americans shaken by a summer of violence at home and around the world, Trump promised that if he takes office in January, "safety will be restored."
As he moves into the general election campaign, he's sticking to the controversial proposals of his primary campaign, including building a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border and suspending immigration from nations "compromised by terrorism."
But in a nod to a broader swath of Americans, he said young people in predominantly black cities "have as much of a right to live out their dreams as any other child in America." He also vowed to protect gays and lesbians from violence and oppression, a pledge that was greeted with applause from the crowd.
"As a Republican, it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I just said," he responded.
Trump was introduced by his daughter Ivanka, who announced a childcare policy proposal that the campaign had not mentioned before.
"As president, my father will change the labor laws that were put in place at a time when women weren't a significant portion of the workplace, and he will focus on making quality childcare affordable and accessible for all," she said.
Trump took the stage in Cleveland facing a daunting array of challenges, many of his own making. Though he vanquished 16 primary rivals, he's viewed with unprecedented negativity by the broader electorate, and is struggling in particular with younger voters and minorities, groups GOP leaders know they need for the party to grow.
The first three days of this week's convention bordered on chaos, starting with a plagiarism charge involving his wife Melania Trump's speech and moving on to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's dramatic refusal to endorse him from the convention stage.
Then, Trump sparked more questions about his Oval Office readiness by suggesting in the midst of the convention that the U.S. might not defend America's NATO partners with him as president. The remarks, in an interview published online Wednesday by The New York Times, deviate from decades of American doctrine and seem to reject the 67-year-old alliance's bedrock principle of collective defense.
Trump reinforced his position from the convention stage, saying the United States has been "picking up the cost" of NATO's defenses for too long. He also disavowed America's foreign policy posture under both Democratic and Republican presidents, criticizing "fifteen years of wars in the Middle East" and declaring that "Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo."
"As long as we are led by politicians who will not put 'America First,' then we can be assured that other nations will not treat America with respect," he said.
He had promised to describe "major, major" tax cuts. But his economic proposals Thursday night were vague, centering on unspecified plans to create millions of jobs. He promised a "simplified" tax system for the middle class and businesses, fewer regulations and renegotiation of trade deals that he says have put working class Americans at a disadvantage.
Top Clinton aide John Podesta panned Trump for offering little more than "prejudice and paranoia" and promised she would offer a more positive vision for America when she accepts the party's nomination at its convention next week in Philadelphia.
Clinton is on the verge of naming a running mate to join her in taking on Trump and his vice presidential pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, in the general election. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine has emerged as her top choice.
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