Republicans spoke in support of re-electing President Donald Trump on the first night of the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Monday (24 August), arguing only Trump can save the US from falling into socialism, violence and economic disaster.

Donald Trump Jr and his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle both delivered passionate speeches, with Ms Guifoyle warning of socialist policies that would “destroy” the country.

What did Kimberly Guilfoyle say?

Kimberly Guilfoyle gave an impassioned speech in support of Trump

Ms Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and Trump campaign senior adviser, described a Democrat-run country as one focused on enslaving Americans to their “weak, dependent, liberal, victim ideology” if elected.

She warned that Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harries would fundamentally change the nation if they should come to power, “to the point that you won’t recognise the country or yourself.”

Under Biden and Harris’ rule, Ms Guilfoyle said that there will be open borders, closed schools and underfunded law enforcement, while adding that American jobs would be “selfishly” sent back to China.

In her impassioned pre-recorded address at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington DC, she went on to take aim at America’s most populous state of California, stating that under the Democrat leadership it has become riddled by drugs, street riots and blackouts.

The 51 year old said, “If you want to see the socialist Biden-Harris future for our country, just take a look at California.

“It is a place of immense wealth, immeasurable innovation and immaculate environment. And the Democrats turned it into a land of discarded heroin needles in parks, riots in streets and blackouts in homes.

“In President Trump’s America we light things up, we don’t dim them down, We build things up, we don’t burn them down. We kneel in prayer and we stand for our flag.”

Ms Guilfoyle went on to refer to her Latina heritage, warning that the US will follow in the socialist footsteps of Cuba and Venezuela if the Democrats are elected in November.

‘Destroying the American Dream’

The speeches on the first night of the RNC took the theme of the “land of promise”, with the speakers attempting to paint a picture of how the country would change under Democratic leadership.

Ms Guilfoyle sought to highlight that, under Trump’s rule, the American Dream of freedom, prosperity and success can be achieved, with her fellow Republicans echoing this sentiment, suggesting only Trump can save America.

Ms Guilfoyle, “President Trump believes in you. He emancipates and lifts you up to live your American Dream. You are capable, you are qualified, you are powerful, and you have the ability to choose your life, and determine your destiny.

“Don’t let the Democrats take you for granted. Don’t let them step on you. Don’t let them destroy your families, your lives and your future. Don’t let them kill future generations because they told you and brainwashed you and fed you lies that you weren’t good enough.”

As well as speaking of the dangers of bringing the Democrats to power, fellow speakers - who included Donald Trump Jr - also praised Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, accusing the Democrats and the media of failing to recognise its threat. This came despite recent claims from President Trump this month that the virus “will go away.”

Trump also made multiple appearances at the convention via pre-taped videos, which showed him in conversation with frontline workers and with former hostages who have been released since Trump took office.

RNC 2020: what Donald Trump Jr’s girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle said in her impassioned speech - and other highlights from the GOP convention