It's official: Republicans nominate Trump for US president

The Republican Party has officially nominated real estate magnate Donald John Trump as presidential candidate for November general elections in the United States.

Trump, who joined politics only a year ago and stormed the Republican party defeating as many as 17 top GOP leaders in the process, is expected to deliver his acceptance speech at the convention in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday.

"Donald Trump having received the majority of the votes cast has been selected as the Republican Party nominee of the president of the United States," announced Paul Ryan, House of Representatives Speaker and also chair of the Republican
National Convention.

"It is an honour to run on a ticket with Governor Mike Pence, who is an incredible man, and who will make a great vice president," Trump said in a video message.

Trump is currently in New York and would come to Cleveland, the venue of Republican National Convention on Wednesday.

"I am so proud to be your nominee for President of the United States," he said.

Exuding confidence to win the presidency, he said he would also win the key State of Ohio, which is hosting the four-day convention.

"We are going to win the state of Ohio, and also we are going to win the presidency and bring real change and leadership back to Washington," Trump said.

"This is going to be a leadership that puts the American people first. We are going to bring back our jobs. We are going to rebuild our depleted military and take care of our great veterans. We are going to have strong borders," the real estate magnate said.

Taking a hard stance on curbing the menace of ISIS, he said, "We are going to get rid of ISIS, and we are going to restore law and order."

"We are going to make America great again. Have a fantastic evening. I will see you tomorrow night and we will win in November," the newly Republican presidential candidate said.

As announced by Ryan, Trump received 1,725 votes, followed by Senator Ted Cruz (475), Ohio Governor John Kasich (120) and Senator Marco Rubio (114).

Trump would face Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party in the November 8 presidential elections. If elected, he would be the first successful businessman without any political experience to become the president of the US.

Trump, whose election theme is "Make America Great Again" was declared the party's nominee after his son Donald J Trump Jr cast the vote of elected delegates from his home state of New York, that gave him the requisite 1237 votes required to cross the half way mark.

"Congratulations Dad. We love you," screamed the Junior Trump as the giant screen inside the Quicken Loan Arena showed that the billionaire is on top of the delegates.

"It is my honour to be able to throw Donald Trump over the top in the delegate count tonight with 89 delegates," he said. Senator Jeff Sessions from Alabama, who heads the national security and foreign policy team of Trump, nominated the real estate tycoon as the Republican presidential nominee.

"Mr Speaker, it's my distinct honour and great pleasure to nominate Donald J Trump for the office of president of the United States of America," Sessions said.

The nomination was seconded by Congressman Chris Collins from New York and South Carolina Lt Gov Henry Dargan McMaster. Indiana Governor Mike Pence was nominated as the vice presidential running mate of Trump.