Trump Rallies Republicans at Dallas Midterm Convention

President Donald Trump and the Republican Party will hold an unusual national convention in Dallas this week, hoping the high-profile event can energize GOP voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections and help Republicans maintain control of Congress.

Unlike traditional Republican National Conventions held during presidential election years, the two-day gathering at the American Airlines Center has no candidates to nominate or formal party business. Instead, Trump will serve as the centerpiece, delivering a keynote speech Wednesday and closing remarks Thursday.

The event comes as Republicans face challenging political conditions. Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest of his second term in Reuters/Ipsos polling, following concerns over rising living costs and the economic impact of the Iran war.

Some Republican insiders have questioned whether the Republican National Committee can attract enough activists and members to fill the venue. House Speaker Mike Johnson said many lawmakers will remain in their districts as early voting approaches, although organizers expect roughly 30,000 attendees across both days.

Several Republican candidates facing competitive Senate and House races are scheduled to appear. Party officials hope the convention will highlight Trump’s tax cuts, border security policies, domestic manufacturing agenda and efforts to reduce drug prices under his "Make America Healthy Again" campaign.

Republican strategists also see the Dallas convention as an opportunity to boost voter enthusiasm, which polls suggest currently trails Democratic enthusiasm. However, critics warn that putting Trump at the center of the midterm campaign could carry risks given his low approval ratings and public frustration over gasoline prices linked to the Iran conflict.

Speakers will include Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Attorney General Todd Blanche. Vance’s Thursday appearance will receive particular attention as Republicans begin considering potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election.

The donor-funded Republican convention is expected to cost more than $40 million. Programming will focus on trade, public safety and key congressional races, while Republicans are expected to portray Democrats as politically extreme.

Thursday’s program will also commemorate the upcoming 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and mark one year since the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.