Trump to deliver Republican nomination speech 'live from the White House'

President has been criticised for suggesting holding a party political event at a national symbol

Donald Trump has revealed that he will deliver his acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination "live from the White House" next Thursday.

Speaking at a campaign event in Wisconsin, the president said he would deliver a "real" speech to accept the nomination as he mocked the pre-taped speeches for the start of the Democratic National Convention, which runs from Monday to Thursday this week.

"They're making speeches that are taped, who wants to listen to Michelle Obama do a taped speech? No, you've got to have her get up there," Mr Trump said as the crowd at his event in Wisconsin booed. 

"But we're doing a real speech on Thursday, next Thursday ... doing it live, live from the White House."

Confirmation of the White House as the president's venue to accept the party's presidential nomination comes after criticism that it could be in violation of the federal Hatch Act.

While the Hatch Act typically prevents political candidates from using government employees or property for campaign purposes, the president and vice president are exempt.

The president originally planned to deliver the Republican National Convention keynote in Charlotte, North Carolina before it was moved to Jacksonville, Florida. But those plans were shelved after a surge of coronavirus cases in the state in July.

He then suggested he might hold it either at the White House or at Gettysburg, scene of the decisive Civil War battle in 1863 in which Union forces defeated the Confederates.

Confirmation of the White House speech comes as the RNC applied for a fireworks permit over the Washington Monument, which would coincide with the end of Mr Trump's keynote, a party official told Fox News.