Republicans formally nominate Trump for US presidency ^Featured

His son, Donald Trump Jr., announced the support of New York, their home state, during a roll-call vote at the Republican National Convention, ensuring Mr Trump had the majority of delegates - 1237 - needed to contest the 8 November US presidential election.

The party had begun the formal vote to put Mr Trump's name in nomination a day after opponents staged a failed attempt to force a vote opposing his candidacy.

Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, an early backer of Mr Trump, placed the New York businessman's name in nomination, calling him "a warrior and a winner".

House Speaker Paul Ryan, the highest ranking elected Republican, ran the meeting and launched the nominating process.

Republicans were also set to place in nomination Indiana Governor Mike Pence, 57, Trump's choice for his vice presidential running mate.

Mr Trump's campaign has been marked by frequent controversy over his rhetoric on Muslims, Hispanics, illegal immigration and trade, alarming many in the Republican establishment. Party officials are hoping to use the convention to smooth out some of his rough edges and present him as a job-creator and a strong hand to combat security threats at home and abroad.

Speakers on the first day of the convention put the focus on defeating the presumptive Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, and taking back the White House after eight years under Democratic President Barack Obama.

The theme of the second day was "Make America Work Again," and speakers were to take aim at Mr Obama's record on the economy.

After the roll-call vote of the states, Mr Trump was to receive the blessing on stage of other senior Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Both Mr Ryan and Mr McConnell need Mr Trump to do well in the November election as they seek to preserve majorities in Congress.

Mr Trump trails Mrs Clinton in many opinion polls after a bruising Republican primary season.

Mrs Clinton is due to be formally nominated at a Democratic convention next week in Philadelphia.

Republicans, meeting for the second of four days this week, were due also to place in nomination Indiana Governor Mike Pence, 57, Mr Trump's choice for vice presidential running mate.

Security forces are on high alert in Cleveland for the convention.

Wright State University, a public university located near Dayton, Ohio, said on Tuesday it had decided not to host the first US presidential debate scheduled for 26 September, citing mounting costs and security concerns.

The event will now be held at Hofstra University in New York.

- Reuters