Donald Trump brands Joe Biden 'destroyer of American greatness' as he accepts presidential nomination

Donald Trump described Joe Biden as the "destroyer of American greatness" as he formally accepted his party's presidential nomination.

The US leader used his speech to launch a blistering attack on his rival, saying a victory for the Democratic nominee would only worsen the crises besieging the country.

Speaking on the closing night of the Republican National Convention, he said of former Vice President Mr Biden: "If given the chance, he will be the destroyer of American greatness."

"We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years," Mr Trump said in his address, which lasted more than an hour.

"At no time before have voters faced a clearer choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies, or two agendas," Mr Trump said.

"This election will decide whether we save the American dream or whether we allow a socialist agenda to demolish our cherished destiny.”

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House as Mr Trump spoke on the South Lawn, following calls on social media for demonstrators to attempt to disrupt the president's outdoor speech by making lots of noise.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Trump delivered his remarks at the White House in front of more than 1,000 people, standing in front of dozens of American flags.

Mr Trump also used his speech to attack China, blaming it for unleashing Covid-19 on the world.

"China would own our country if Joe Biden got elected," he said. "Unlike Biden, I will hold them fully accountable for the tragedy they caused."

The president added: "When I took bold action to issue a travel ban on China, Joe Biden called it hysterical and xenophobic.

"If we had listened to Joe, hundreds of thousands more Americans would have died."

Mr Trump and other Republican speakers argued that state and city Democratic leaders were to blame for the racial strife convulsing US cities, including Kenosha, Wisconsin, where police shot and paralysed a black man.

"No one will be safe in Biden's America," Mr Trump said despite the surge of unrest during his watch.

As the night unfolded, Mr Biden struck back on Twitter, writing, "When Donald Trump says tonight you won't be safe in Joe Biden's America, look around and ask yourself: How safe do you feel in Donald Trump's America?"

White House adviser Ivanka Trump introduced her father as 'the People's President' in a speech before he took to the stage.

“I recognise that my dad's communication style is not to everyone's taste. And I know his tweets can feel a bit unfiltered,” she said.

“But the results speak for themselves.”

The scene - befitting the first reality TV host to serve as president - was in marked contrast to Mr Biden's acceptance speech last week, which was broadcast from a largely empty arena due to Covid-19.

Mr Trump's decision to speak from the White House lawn drew criticism that he was using the official residence for partisan purposes.

The crowd, seated in white chairs inches apart, showed little evidence of social distancing or face masks despite health experts' recommendations.

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