RNC votes to move Trump nomination speech from Charlotte

U.S. Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump and Vice-Presidential Nominee Indiana Governor Mike Pence wave to supporters at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. July 21, 2016. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/File Photo

CHARLOTTE – A unanimous vote by the RNC Executive Committee Wednesday night confirmed that President Donald Trump will not accept the GOP nomination in Charlotte.

North Carolina Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley said “The refusal by Gov. Cooper to work with the RNC and to allow the Convention to move forward is appalling. I am heartbroken for Charlotte hotels, restaurants and bars – this is a gut-punch from Cooper, for whom protests and riots are OK, but not $200 million events.”

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As previous reports have indicated, the official business of the GOP Convention will remain in Charlotte – one report saying it will only be 336 delegates. In 2016, the GOP Convention in Cleveland drew over 50,000 attendees.

Earlier this week, a proposal by state Rep. Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston) was crafted in the General Assembly, but never came to a vote. The measure was drafted to allow the president to speak in front of a full capacity crowd in Charlotte in August. Torbett announced on Twitter on Wednesday that he is withdrawing his bill because it would be “a waste of The People’s House time, energy, and resources.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.