RNC speakers included 'Everyday Americans:' Who are William Pekrul, David Bellavia?
Ohio Sen. JD Vance headlined the Republican National Convention Wednesday when he officially accepted his vice presidential nomination.
He wasn’t the only speaker: Trump’s granddaughter Kai Trump called him “just a normal grandpa” in her speech, and former Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway used her time on stage to make an appeal to women.
Day three, which focused on national security under the theme “Make America Strong Once Again,” also featured several “Everyday Americans,” as dubbed by the RNC. Each day has included some of these speakers, who, according to the RNC and the Trump campaign, “have faced immense hardship and are worse off under the Biden-Harris administration."
The “everyday Americans” who spoke Wednesday included Sgt. William Pekrul, Sarah Phillips, and Staff Sgt. David Bellavia.
Who is William Pekrul?
Pekrul is a World War II and D-Day veteran who received two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star for his service in the war.
In his speech, 98-year-old Pekrul said that he would re-enlist in the military today and that “America is still worth fighting for.” He criticized President Joe Biden’s foreign policy, such as the withdrawal in Afghanistan and policies around the southern border.
Who is Sarah Phillips?
Phillips is a petroleum engineer from West Virginia. She called energy “one of the most important issues” in the campaign and said that Trump is “high energy and supports energy” while Biden is “low energy and is against energy.” She called Biden’s energy policies a “green new scam.”
Phillips also recalled her experience at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where there was an assassination attempt on the former president. Phillips, who also spoke at the rally, called it a “terrifying experience.”
Who is David Bellavia?
Trump awarded Army veteran Bellavia the Medal of Honor in 2019 for his service during the Iraq War.
Sticking with the theme, Bellavia criticized the current administration’s foreign policy, especially regarding the middle east.
Bellavia also referenced Trump’s bloodied ear from the assassination attempt.
“He too has bled for the nation that he loves,” Bellavia said.
Trump, Hulk Hogan to speak at RNC Day 4
Trump will speak at the RNC tonight, where he is expected to formally accept the GOP nomination for president.
Wrestler Hulk Hogan will also speak ahead of the former president, NBC reported.
Others expected to speak are former television host Tucker Carlson, Trump’s son Eric Trump, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.