Republican convention showcases rising stars amid warnings over Trump defeat

President Donald Trump speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention (AP)

A rising generation of Republican stars have offered an optimistic view of Donald Trump’s leadership on the opening night of the party’s national convention – but were undermined by dark warnings about America’s future and distortions over the US president’s record, particularly on the pandemic.

As Mr Trump faces pressure to expand his appeal beyond his loyal supporters, senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the US senate’s sole black Republican, and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, sought to cast the party as welcoming to Americans of colour, despite its overwhelmingly white leadership and voting base.