15 sources·updated Sep 12, 10:30 AM

Republicans Host Midterm Convention Amid Trump’s Low Approval Ratings

Republicans are convening in Dallas for a "midterm convention" to rally support ahead of the upcoming elections, despite Donald Trump's declining popularity. The event seeks to energize the party base while facing challenges in retaining control of the House of Representatives.

Sources

theguardian.com·Sep 16, 1:56 AM
Latest news, sport and opinion from the Guardian

A helicopter crash in Los Angeles, while news crews were reporting on a separate bus crash that resulted in at least two fatalities, has led to the deaths of at least three people, with additional injuries reported. In a political context, Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon united at a summit to advocate for regulations on AI, highlighting concerns about technology's influence on society, though they presented differing perspectives on the issue. Meanwhile, the European Union has taken steps to potentially grant Canada the status of the first associate member, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations.

theguardian.com·Sep 12, 10:00 AM
Trump personality cult alive and well in Dallas – will it power Republican midterm success? | Donald Trump | The Guardian

Donald Trump's recent two-day convention in Dallas, which raised $45 million in just three weeks, aimed to frame the upcoming midterm elections as a referendum on his leadership, with Trump urging voters to "pretend that I’m on the ballot" and promising $5,000 payouts to each US adult if Republicans maintain control. Despite a large turnout of supporters, many congressional members and candidates were absent, and Trump's keynote speech only garnered 2.5 million viewers on Fox News, reflecting his historically low approval ratings and a potentially daunting electoral landscape, with projections indicating Democrats could win the House 229-206 and a 50-50 split in the Senate. The event showcased a strong personality cult around Trump, but relied heavily on fear tactics about a Democratic return to power, indicating a struggle to effectively address current issues like high living costs.

npr.org·Sep 11, 9:00 AM
7 takeaways from the ‘Trumpapalooza’ Republican convention : NPR

At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Trump emphasized the need for voter turnout despite facing record low approval ratings and rising discontent over issues like the war in Iran and gas prices. He made a controversial promise of a $5,000 dividend for adults if Republicans maintain control, while the party struggled with enthusiasm and witnessed significant empty seats at the venue, particularly in the upper levels. Amidst a fractured Republican base and increased Democratic enthusiasm following previous election wins, the convention focused on personal attacks against Democrats rather than detailed policy discussions.

bbc.co.uk·Sep 11, 6:16 AM
Has Trump won over voters with his midterm convention?

Republicans gathered in Dallas for their first midterm convention, featuring speeches from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, aimed at boosting voter enthusiasm despite protests outside the event. The convention marks a significant effort to galvanize support among party members during an election cycle. The article highlights key takeaways from this two-day event, as observed by BBC's North America editor Sarah Smith.

theguardian.com·Sep 11, 4:24 AM
‘I’m on the ticket’: Trump implores Republicans to vote in November at unusual midterm convention | Donald Trump | The Guardian

At a midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Donald Trump urged about 20,000 supporters to "pretend" he is on the ballot in the upcoming November elections, amidst concerns over his low approval ratings and backlash related to rising prices and the war in Iran. He promised a "Trump dividend" of $5,000 for every U.S. adult if Republicans win control of Congress, a pledge economists warn could cost over $1 trillion, while also portraying Democrats as extreme and destructive. The convention featured more than 50 speakers and was designed to energize the Republican base as polls indicated a possible loss of the House and potentially the Senate.

aljazeera.com·Sep 11, 3:33 AM
Republican midterm convention wraps up in Dallas, Texas: Key takeaways | Donald Trump News | Al Jazeera

The Republican midterm convention in Dallas officially endorsed President Donald Trump, who urged voters to view him as a critical ballot presence ahead of challenging legislative elections in November. Trump pledged a $5,000 dividend to citizens if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate, amid concerns over his approval ratings affected by the US-Israel war on Iran. While the Democratic National Committee did not hold a convention, protesters gathered nearby, illustrating a growing sentiment among some Texas Democrats that the state's political landscape is shifting, with candidates like James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa gaining traction.

bbc.co.uk·Sep 10, 4:07 AM
Four takeaways from Trump's speech at midterms convention

The Republican Party's first midterms convention in Dallas focused on rallying Trump supporters rather than conducting official party business, with the arena filled with loyal MAGA followers and few moderates present. President Trump, maintaining his firm grip on the party, emphasized the importance of voter turnout in November, jokingly asking attendees to "pretend that I'm on the ballot" as he acknowledged the challenge of securing votes without his name on the ballot in future elections. Economic concerns remained a key issue, as polls indicated that 33% of registered voters approved of Trump's performance, with many Americans feeling the burden of high fuel prices amid ongoing global conflicts.

aljazeera.com·Sep 10, 3:01 AM
Trump vows to be at centre of US midterms: Republican convention takeaways | Donald Trump News | Al Jazeera

During the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Donald Trump emphasized his influence over the upcoming elections despite not being on the ballot, encouraging attendees to act as though he were running. He identified 35 crucial races that Republicans could win and promised to campaign vigorously, pledging a $5,000 "dividend" to adult citizens if they retain control of both chambers of Congress, though it remains uncertain if he could fulfill that promise. Trump's keynote speech also touched on the ongoing war on Iran, with Brent Crude oil prices surpassing $100 a barrel, and he expressed a desire to escalate U.S. military actions, including renaming the Strait of Hormuz to "the Trump strait."

aljazeera.com·Sep 9, 11:15 PM
Iran war looms over Trump at Republican midterm convention in Dallas | Donald Trump News | Al Jazeera

The Republican midterm convention in Dallas highlighted the party's strategy of rallying around US President Donald Trump during a politically divisive period marked by the ongoing war on Iran, which began on February 28. As prices for Brent Crude exceeded $100 a barrel, supporters remained divided on the war's justification, with only a quarter of Americans viewing the conflict as worthwhile according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, while affordability remained the top concern for voters. Despite some discontent over the war, many attendees expressed strong loyalty to Trump, emphasizing the party's focus on maintaining control of Congress in the upcoming elections.

aljazeera.com·Sep 9, 11:48 AM
Republican midterm convention 2026: What to know about Trump’s Dallas event | US Midterm Elections 2026 News | Al Jazeera

The U.S. Republican Party is holding an unprecedented midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, on September 9 and 10, 2026, primarily as a campaign rally and fundraiser rather than for presidential nominations, with President Donald Trump scheduled to speak both nights. This event comes as Trump's approval ratings have declined amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic concerns, threatening the party's hold on the House of Representatives and making the Senate more competitive for Democrats, despite their uphill battle. The convention is designed to showcase candidates in tight races and promote Trump’s agenda, with 53 items and speakers planned for the first night, signaling a focus on energizing voters heading into the November 3 elections.

theguardian.com·Sep 9, 11:26 AM
Trump center stage at RNC in midterms gamble – US politics live | US news | The Guardian

Donald Trump is set to deliver the keynote speech at the GOP's first-ever national convention ahead of the midterm elections, with over 100 House members and more than 50 speakers scheduled to participate over two days in Dallas. The convention aims to energize voters by highlighting Republican achievements such as tax cuts and immigration enforcement while contrasting with Democrats. In related news, uncertainty surrounds Missouri's congressional elections due to clashing court rulings regarding a disputed House map, while the US military has recently destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers after missile threats against a US navy warship.

theguardian.com·Sep 9, 10:00 AM
Republicans in fight to hold on to majority look to ‘midterm convention’ to overcome Trump unpopularity | Republicans | The Guardian

Republicans are gathering in Texas for a "midterm convention," centered around Donald Trump, whose approval rating is around 38%, as they face a tough battle to retain control of the House of Representatives ahead of the midterm elections. While Trump is expected to dominate the event, many vulnerable Republican lawmakers are opting out to avoid potential backlash associated with the unpopular president, with only about 100 lawmakers and candidates anticipated to attend. Additionally, reports suggest that House Republicans may have been asked to donate at least $25,000 for a ticket, and low ticket applications prior to the event indicate a lack of enthusiasm among party members.

npr.org·Sep 9, 9:00 AM
What to know about the Republican midterm convention : NPR

The Republican midterm convention in Dallas, termed "Trumpapalooza," features President Trump as the main attraction for both nights of the event. Despite his low approval ratings, Trump aims to motivate his supporters to vote in the upcoming midterm elections, asserting that his presence can galvanize turnout in key districts. The convention will focus on major midterm issues such as the cost of living and border security, although fewer than half of the GOP candidates in competitive races are scheduled to speak.

dw.com·Sep 9, 5:55 AM
Dallas Republican convention: How Trump looms over midterms

The Republican Midterm Convention, taking place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, aims to energize Trump supporters, despite Donald Trump not appearing on the ballot during the Nov. 3 midterm elections. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump's approval rating at just 33%, and Democrats are more enthusiastic about the elections, with nearly half of their supporters expressing excitement compared to only 31% of Republicans. While the convention will showcase Trump's achievements and critique Democrats, a Politico survey found that over 70 Republican candidates are hesitant to align too closely with him, highlighting the potential risks of his presence for those in competitive districts.