Former President Donald Trump opened the first-ever Republican National Midterm Convention in Dallas, aiming to bolster the party's prospects in the upcoming November elections. Trump walked onto the stage to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA" for his opening remarks at the event.
During his speech, Trump reiterated his claims about the 2020 election, stating, "We won the presidency three times." He urged attendees to support his agenda by "pretend[ing] I’m on the ballot."
The convention, designed to energize the Republican base, saw an estimated 20,000 attendees. However, the guest list also highlighted some internal party dynamics, with several prominent Republicans notably absent from the main speaking program. Senate Majority Leader John Thune was not scheduled to speak, a decision that followed Trump's expressed frustration with the senator over stalled legislative efforts. Several candidates competing in key races also opted not to appear on the main stage, including Maine Senator Susan Collins, Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, and New Hampshire Senate nominee John E. Sununu.
While many attendees showed enthusiastic support, some within the party expressed concerns. One GOP lobbyist described the "vibes are very bad," while others noted that the convention's opening night coincided with the start of the NFL season, potentially drawing attention away from the political event.
House lawmakers, including Anna Paulina Luna and Derrick Van Orden, were among the early speakers. Luna criticized Democrats' stock trading practices, while Van Orden promoted Trump's Rural Healthcare plan. The convention's agenda also included speeches from Senate nominees such as Ken Paxton of Texas, Michael Whatley of North Carolina, and Mike Collins of Georgia, as well as incumbent Ohio Senator Jon Husted. Former Trump cabinet secretaries, including Brooke Rollins, Scott Bessent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Attorney General Todd Blanche, were also listed to speak.
The two-day event's programming includes a tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September 2025, and a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 9-11.
Trump's travel to Dallas was delayed after the emergency evacuation slide on his aircraft deployed. The incident occurred before his scheduled departure.
