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Trump will speak both nights of the GOP's first midterm convention in Dallas
NoTalkMan / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 · source
The Republican National Committee's first midterm convention is Sept. 9-10 at American Airlines Center. A party official said Trump will keynote Wednesday and speak after Vance Thursday; the Dallas Morning News earlier listed Vance as the first-night headliner.
Republicans will hold their first-ever midterm national convention Sept. 9-10 in Dallas at American Airlines Center. Associated Press and Fox News reported Trump's June announcement of the unusual gathering. U.S. News, reprinting Reuters, said a party official on Sept. 2 expanded Trump's role to both nights, competing with NFL openers. The Dallas Morning News, from an August RNC schedule, said Trump appears both nights and closes Sept. 10, with Vance the first-night main speaker. RNC Chair Joe Gruters called the event a Trumpapalooza. Party officials worry about turnout; Democrats said they will tie GOP candidates to Trump.
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Trump announces midterm convention for Republicans in Dallas in September
30 Jun 2026
Facts
Republican leaders worry it could be hard to galvanize voters without Trump on the ballot.
If Democrats regain either chamber they could block Trump's agenda and investigate his administration.
Republicans have only slim majorities, and the party in power normally loses ground in midterms.
Trump has long floated a similar gathering this year to focus voters on House and Senate races.
An expensive DNC event could have strained finances already struggling with fundraising and millions in debt.
The Texas location spotlights the Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton.
Paxton is the Texas attorney general who, with Trump's backing, defeated the longtime senator.
Republican Senate leaders fear Paxton's scandals could undermine his candidacy and drain party resources.
The Dallas site also highlights Trump's mid-decade redistricting push that began in Texas.
Democrats did hold similar conferences in the 1970s and 1980s.
Opinion
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Dallas GOP convention will mix policy, pageantry and political firepower
25 Aug 2026
Facts
Vance will be the opening act.
The schedule is a 109-segment production designed to promote Trump's record and boost GOP candidates.
Trump will deliver the closing keynote Sept. 10.
Gruters said the two days will take Americans through the party's agenda and what is at stake.
House, Senate, and gubernatorial candidates will appear with workers, parents, and families used to illustrate Republican priorities.
Protest groups plan demonstrations and marches near American Airlines Center.
Some nearby businesses told the Morning News they plan to close; others are preparing for crowds and street restrictions.
The convention will honor Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder assassinated last year.
The second night will include children and families of first responders to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 before Trump's speech.
Opinion
The Dallas Morning News said the convention is more of a rally than a traditional nominating event.
Republican Party to host historic midterm convention in Dallas, Trump announces on Truth Social
30 Jun 2026
Facts
Trump wrote the midterm convention has never been done before and will be a historic event.
Trump said the event aims to celebrate a great American comeback and the America First agenda.
Trump wrote Dallas is one of his favorite places in the world.
Republicans are aiming to protect a narrow Senate majority and a razor-thin House majority.
Trump wrote the administration is delivering on promises politicians talked about for decades but never got done.
Trump said the rally will spotlight first responders, innovators, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and job creators.
Gruters called the convention a Trumpapalooza that will showcase the America First agenda.
Gruters said the historic midterm convention will highlight Trump's accomplishments and commitment to restoring America.
Witmer said Americans cannot afford bills or gas because of Trump and that a televised celebration will remind them of a failed promise and tie swing-seat candidates to an unpopular president.
Gruters told Fox News Digital the president is the GOP's secret weapon.
Witmer said Democrats are already hitting the trail to talk about cutting costs and making health care affordable.
Opinion
Fox News said many Americans are giving Trump a big thumbs down on the economy and affordability.
Trump to Speak on Both Nights of Republican Midterm Convention Amid Turnout Concerns
2 Sep 2026
Facts
The party official said Trump will now deliver the Wednesday keynote.
The party official said Trump will speak after Vance on Thursday evening as well.
The Republican Party's midterm convention next week is unusual.
Trump's expanded role will compete for viewers with the start of the NFL season.
Trump had originally been scheduled to deliver a Thursday address to close the convention.
Some party insiders told Reuters they are concerned the RNC may struggle to attract members and activists.
The party official said Trump wants to set the tone for the entire convention.
Trump is grappling with weak approval ratings amid dissatisfaction over the Iran war and persistent inflation.
The official said the White House and Trump's political team have stepped up efforts to encourage Republicans to attend.
A Republican operative said the convention will allow more everyday supporters than planned because organizers have not found enough officials and donors.
Organizers have expressed confidence the arena will be filled.
Party officials see the gathering as their best chance to rally voters behind Trump's agenda ahead of November 3.
On Thursday night Trump and Vance will compete with a 49ers-Rams NFL game in Melbourne streaming on Netflix.
Opinion
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