July 17, 2024
By Luke Radel , Spencer Davidson
Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik spoke to the nation in prime time, Tuesday night, during day two of the Republican National Convention, reaffirming her strong support of former President Donald Trump.
A good portion of her speech was focused on the issue of border security and immigration, echoing the overarching theme of day two, “Make America Safe Again.”
Within the speech, she made the case for the return of a Trump administration to the White House, criticizing the border policies of the current administration under President Joe Biden.
“The feckless and failed Joe Biden has caused chaos,” said Stefanik from the podium at Fiserv Forum. “Biden’s violent crime crisis is fueled by Democrats’ pro-criminal sanctuary cities and defund the police policies like we have seen in my home state of New York.”
Following her address, Stefanik spoke to NEWSChannel 2’s Luke Radel from the floor of the arena, discussing her prominent role in this year’s convention and highlighting her aim to put the issues concerning the Central New York region front and center during a second Trump administration.
“It was a real honor to be able to speak on behalf of New York 21st Congressional District,” she said. “I always work every day to give my district a seat at the highest level, and I bring my issues right to the top with President Trump. He cares deeply about the future of this country, but also upstate New York.”
The GOP Conference Chair’s speech appeared to be positively received within the convention, with other New York State congressional representatives praising her message.
“She gave a great speech that represented people of New York well,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY11). “She highlighted that Americans, and New Yorkers in particular, want a secure border. We are greatly impacted by mass illegal immigration, and tonight’s topic of making America safe again is really what New Yorkers want to hear because they are desperate right now.”
The Republican National Convention continues through Thursday with Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance, junior U.S. Senator from Ohio, set to speak on Wednesday, before former President Trump gives his address to close the four-day event on Thursday.
