Trump seeks to defy history with Republican unity show

President Donald Trump and the Republican Party will hold a national convention in Dallas ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, as they seek to energise supporters and prevent the party from losing control of Congress.

The two-day gathering at the American Airlines Center will begin on Wednesday. Trump will speak on both days, delivering a keynote address on Wednesday and closing remarks on Thursday.

Unlike conventions held during presidential election years, the Dallas event has no formal role in selecting candidates or approving a party platform. Trump proposed the convention last year to make himself the central figure in Republican campaigns.


The elections could end Republican control of Congress and limit Trump’s ability to advance his agenda during the final two years of his term.

Concerns over attendance

The convention comes after months of criticism over rising living costs and the Iran war. Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, its lowest level of his second term, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.

Some Republican insiders have expressed concern that the Republican National Committee may struggle to attract lawmakers and activists.

Several speakers are contesting close Senate and House races. Four Senate candidates and at least 10 House candidates are expected to feature at the event.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said last week that many Republican lawmakers would stay in their districts.

“It’s a critical time right before early voting begins nationwide,” he said.

Organisers, however, have said they expect the arena to be full.

A bid to energise voters

Republican strategists have warned that the convention could hurt the party if Trump’s low approval ratings dominate the event.

Trump has also asked Americans to accept higher economic costs linked to the Iran war. He has argued that higher fuel prices are justified if they prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Republican officials say the convention will highlight Trump’s tax cuts, border policies, manufacturing push and “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, including efforts to reduce drug prices.

Party leaders also see the event as a way to mobilise Republican voters. Opinion polls show that Republican enthusiasm is currently lower than Democratic enthusiasm.

The party in power often suffers major losses in midterm elections held two years after a presidential election.

Trump and other speakers are expected to target Democratic candidates from the left wing and democratic socialist groups. Trump has repeatedly, and falsely, called Democrats “communists” this year.

Kendall Witmer, a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee, said the convention was a distraction from voters’ concerns over high prices.

Who will attend?

Vice President JD Vance’s appearance will draw attention as Republicans begin considering possible contenders for the 2028 presidential election. Vance is widely seen as a leading candidate and is scheduled to speak before Trump’s closing remarks on Thursday.

Organisers expect about 30,000 people to attend over the two days. Republican donors have funded the event, which will cost more than $40 million.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Attorney General Todd Blanche are also expected to speak.

The programme will feature Republican candidates in key congressional races and people who say Trump’s policies have helped them.

The convention will focus on trade, public safety and Republican criticism of Democratic positions.

On Thursday, organisers plan a remembrance with families of emergency responders, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Young Republicans will also mark the first anniversary of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead at a Utah college campus.