Trump Keynotes First-Ever Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas

The Republican Party opened its first-ever midterm convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with President Trump delivering the opening-night keynote and Vice President Vance also headlining; Trump is scheduled to return for the closing address September 10. The RNC billed the two-night event — with segments on tax cuts, healthcare affordability, the border, trade, and domestic manufacturing — as a 'primetime showcase' of Trump's record and midterm candidates, with over 100 GOP officials attending. Coverage noted the unusual format comes as Trump's approval hovers in the high-30s and several vulnerable House Republicans skipped the gathering, raising questions about whether it will meaningfully boost midterm turnout.