Donald Trump today vowed to "put America first" as he projected himself as the "law and order" candidate in the race for the president of a country rocked by shootings and attacks and sought Americans' support while formally accepting the Republican nomination.
The 70-year-old real estate tycoon vowed to defeat ISIS and reiterated his resolve to build the wall along the Mexico border, stressing that immigration from countries that have compromised on terrorism should be be immediately suspended.
While accepting the nomination "humbly and gratefully" here, Trump promised to defeat ISIS and Islamic terrorism, but toned down his previous proposal of a complete ban on entry of Muslims in the country.
He blamed President Barack Obama and his former secretary of state, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for problems the country faces as he painted a dire state of affairs in the US and the world.
Trump said his plan will put America First. Americanism, not globalism, will be his credo.
"As long as we are led by politicians who will not put America First, then we can be assured that other nations will not treat America with respect that we deserve," he said amid thunderous applause.
"In this race for the White House, I am the law and order candidate," he said as he accused Obama of sowing disunity along racial lines.
"The irresponsible rhetoric of our president, who has used the pulpit of the presidency to divide us by race and colour, has made America a more dangerous environment for everyone.
The "crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon, and I mean very soon, come to an end," he said. "Beginning on January 20, of 2017, safety will be restored."
Trump painted his rival from the Democratic camp Clinton as incompetent.
"This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton: death, destruction, terrorism and weakness," he said.
Trump said if elected as the US President in the November elections, he will put in place an immigration system "that works, but one that works for the American people".
"Tonight, I want every American whose demands for immigration security have been denied - and every politician who has denied them - to listen very closely to the words I am about to say. On January 21st of 2017, the day after I take the oath of office, Americans will finally wake up in a country where the laws of the US are enforced. We are going to be considerate and compassionate to everyone.
"But my greatest compassion will be for our own struggling citizens. My plan is the exact opposite of the radical and dangerous immigration policy of Hillary Clinton. Americans want relief from uncontrolled immigration. Communities want relief," he added.
