Trump to make surprise convention entry

The TPP might be one of Joe Hockey's top priorities, but the issue will likely be swept under the carpet at the Republican Party convention.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump will make a surprise early appearance at the Republican Party convention. (AAP)

Donald Trump will begin the next crucial phase of his pursuit to become US president by going back to his reality TV roots.

The four-day, razzle-dazzle Republican National Convention begins in Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday (Tuesday AEST) with a potpourri of speakers, including Duck Dynasty reality TV show star Willie Robertson and former Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi star Scott Baio, who had his own reality series Scott Baio is 45 ... and Single.

Trump, of course, fired his way into living rooms across the world as host of reality show The Apprentice from 2004 to 2015.

It is tradition for the presumptive nominee to patiently wait in the wings, soak up three days of praise before strolling out on stage on Thursday to accept the Republican Party's nomination to run for president.

Trump does not follow tradition.

"I will be there," Trump told Fox News on Monday.

The real estate mogul will appear on stage on the opening night to introduce his wife, Melania, who will deliver a speech as part of the first day's program titled, "Make America Safe Again".

"I want to watch," Trump said.

"It is going to be very exciting."

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Texas governor Rick Perry, retired Navy SEAL and author of Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Benghazi battle survivors Mark Geist and John Tiegen and daytime TV soap star Antonio Sabato Jr will join Robertson, Baio and Ms Trump on stage.

Trump has split the Republican Party, but the convention is aimed at gluing the fracture, although a faction of the party is still holding out hope of a rival candidate emerging.

Although dubbed "Make America Safe Again", gun control advocates should not expect calls at the convention for the introduction of strict Australian-like firearm laws.

It will be the opposite, with National Rifle Association executive Chris Cox one of the star speakers on Tuesday.

The acronym TPP is also likely not to be uttered.

Trump has been a vocal opponent of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the mega trade deal between the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and seven other Pacific rim nations.

The Republican Party largely supports it, resulting in another uneasy situation.

That will not help Australia's ambassador to the US, Joe Hockey, with the former treasurer leading an Australian delegation in Cleveland.

Hockey has been busily attempting to drum up US congressional support for the TPP.


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Source: AAP


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