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Trump midterm convention finale speech
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Trump closed the GOP's first midterm convention in Dallas.
The event aimed to turn out Trump-loyal voters who typically skip midterms.
Background
The Republican Party held its first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, a hastily prepared event aimed at turning out low-propensity voters loyal to Trump who tend to skip midterm elections. Trump's role was to remind voters why they supported him, focusing on his achievements, the threat of Democratic socialism, and the economy. He spoke as his sagging approval ratings could weigh on Republicans' chances in November.
How it unfolded
- Sep 9, 2026Trump opened the GOP's first midterm convention in Dallas with a primetime speech lasting nearly two hours, proposing a $5,000 'Trump dividend' for every U.S. adult if Republicans win November's congressional elections.
- Sep 10, 2026Vice President JD Vance spoke for more than 25 minutes at the American Airlines Center, delivering a pro-family pitch and attacks on Democrats.
- Sep 10, 2026Trump closed the convention Thursday night, instructing the crowd to raise their right hand and pledge to vote on November 3, and urging attendees to 'cheat like hell' to keep Republicans in control of Congress.
- Sep 11, 2026Media outlets published takeaways and full speech videos; the Idaho State Journal reported Trump urged Republicans to 'go out and vote' on the final day.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- CNN noted Trump stepped on Vance's primetime moment during the convention's second night.
- Operatives
- According to Politico, Trump's job was to remind voters why they fell in love with him, focusing on his achievements, the Democratic threat, and the economy.