Donald Trump received a raucous welcome from supporters in Dallas as he arrived for the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention, an event designed to rally voters behind his administration and help Republicans retain control of Congress in November. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/4139b7912dbf1eebdcfde8c1cc12f23d))
The president was greeted by flag-waving MAGA supporters at the American Airlines Center, where the atmosphere was closer to a campaign rally than a traditional party convention. Trump merchandise and photographs dominated the venue as speakers praised his record and urged Republicans to unite against the Democrats.
The two-day Republican midterm convention, held on September 9 and 10, has been organised without the formal business normally associated with a national convention. Instead, it is intended to showcase Trump’s agenda, promote candidates in competitive races and energise his core supporters ahead of the November election. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/4139b7912dbf1eebdcfde8c1cc12f23d))
Trump is scheduled to appear on both nights, delivering a keynote address before returning for closing remarks. Vice-President JD Vance is also due to address the gathering, alongside members of the Cabinet, congressional leaders and Republican candidates.
Opening speeches focused heavily on attacking Democrats, with Republican National Committee chairman Joe Gruters describing his party as the force for “freedom, opportunity, security and common sense” while accusing Democrats of being driven by radical socialism. The hall was repeatedly prompted to chant “Fight! Fight! Fight!” in a clear attempt to replicate the energy of Trump’s election rallies. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/4139b7912dbf1eebdcfde8c1cc12f23d))
But the convention has also exposed unease among some Republicans about placing the president so firmly at the centre of races in which he will not appear on the ballot. Several candidates in closely fought contests, including Iowa Representative Zach Nunn and Maine Senator Susan Collins, are not attending, while other prominent Republicans have chosen to keep their distance. ([abcnews.com](https://abcnews.com/amp/Politics/trump-gop-hosting-midterm-convention-notable-republicans-plan/story?id=136201624))
First Lady Melania Trump is also absent, according to a White House official cited by ABC News. The event is taking place as the party faces concerns over Trump’s approval ratings, high living costs and the political risks of tying vulnerable candidates closely to the president. ([abcnews.com](https://abcnews.com/amp/Politics/trump-gop-hosting-midterm-convention-notable-republicans-plan/story?id=136201624))
Republicans have nevertheless presented the gathering as a show of strength, with roughly 100 House members and candidates expected to attend. The party is using the convention to promote issues including tax cuts, border security, healthcare costs and efforts to reduce prescription prices.
Democrats have declined to hold a rival convention but are staging counter-events in Texas. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has announced that Democratic lawmakers will travel to Dallas to highlight affordability and challenge Republican claims about the administration’s record. ([abcnews.com](https://abcnews.com/amp/Politics/trump-gop-hosting-midterm-convention-notable-republicans-plan/story?id=136201624))
