Opponents of presumptive United States presidential nominee Donald Trump walked out of the Republican National Convention, which kicked off on Monday, in an apparent show of distrust towards the controversial candidate. They disrupted proceedings with their attempt to change the party's rules so delegates can choose an alternative Republican nominee, Reuters reported.

Party leaders at the Cleveland convention declared that opponents did not have enough support, after holding a voice vote. A number of delegates had also demanded a "roll call", which would allow every state to give their opinion. Some of them, including the delegation from Colorado, left the venue in protest. One of the Colorado delegates Kendal Unruh said, "This entire system is rigged to force the vote for Donald Trump."

Advertisement

The chaos brought into focus the disunity within the party, threatening steps taken by the Trump campaign to show that Republicans had come together under the real estate magnate's leadership. Trying to quash the rebelling delegates, his son and adviser Donald Trump Jr said on Twitter, "Your careers are over."

At the July 18-21 convention, Trump will be formally nominated by the party for the US presidential election on November 8.