The Republican National Committee announced that President Donald Trump will formally accept the GOP nomination in Jacksonville after the party clashed with North Carolina officials over its plans to hold the convention in Charlotte, Fox News reports.
"We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion in the great city of Jacksonville," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.
"Not only does Florida hold a special place in President Trump's heart as his home state, but it is crucial in the path to victory in 2020,” she added. “We look forward to bringing this great celebration and economic boon to the Sunshine State in just a few short months."
Move comes after coronavirus spat:
The move came after Trump and party officials clashed with North Carolina officials over the state’s coronavirus restrictions.
The Trump camp balked at holding a convention where they could not pack the arena. The state argued it was too early to tell whether restrictions would be lifted by the time the convention is held in August.
North Carolina has seen cases spike since Memorial Day, casting doubt that restrictions would be eased.
RNC to hold business in Charlotte anyway:
Though Trump’s speech was moved to Jacksonville, the business portion of the convention will still be held in Charlotte because of contractual obligations.
The RNC said the convention would be scaled back, allowing up to 336 delegates rather than the usual 2,500+ that would attend.
The party also voted that no changes would be made to the party platform from the 2016 platform.
