The Republican Party held its first-ever two-day midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, at the request of President Donald Trump to mobilize voters for the November elections. The event, which featured over 100 House members and candidates—some paying $25,000 for tickets—functioned as a combination of a rally and a telethon. Trump urged supporters to vote as if he were on the ballot and led the crowd in a personalized pledge of allegiance to himself.
Trump proposed a $5,000 'Trump Dividend' check for every adult US citizen if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate, a plan estimated to cost $1.35 trillion. While Trump claimed the U.S. is in a 'Golden Age,' reports indicate widespread disapproval among independents and some Republicans regarding the economy and the war in Iran.
The convention included a memorial for assassinated Turning Point USA leader Charlie Kirk and speeches from JD Vance and Senator Ted Cruz. The event was marked by tensions, including an audience member shouting threats during Cruz's speech and JD Vance's confrontation with a protester waving Mexican and Palestinian flags. The convention also served as a platform for potential 2028 contenders, with attendees chanting 'JD 48' for Vance and mentioning other figures such as Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Ron DeSantis, Thomas Massie, and Brandon Gill.