Trump to Speak Both Nights of Midterm Convention Amid Republican Absences

Donald Trump will now speak on both nights of his midterm convention in Dallas next week, a two-day televised event scheduled for September 9-10.

Originally, Trump was slated to headline only the second night. A party official told Reuters that "President Trump wants to set the tone for the entire convention." However, scores of Republicans have confirmed they will skip the event, which some GOP circles have dubbed "Trumpapalooza." Reasons cited for non-attendance include commitments to campaigning in home districts, prior engagements, and concerns over a $25,000 entrance fee.

Some Republicans are reportedly distancing themselves from the increasingly unpopular president due to low approval ratings concerning the Iran war and voter backlash over his handling of the economy. Max Miller, an Ohio congressman facing domestic abuse accusations, stated he would not attend, opting to stay home to campaign and spend time with family. Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) expressed unfamiliarity with the concept of charging Republican candidates to attend, stating, "He's supposed to be raising money for the candidates."

The Republican National Committee had suggested a minimum donation of $25,000 from candidates. The convention aims to boost the GOP's chances in November and mobilize Trump’s MAGA base. Keynote speeches are also scheduled from Vice President JD Vance and Trump. The speeches will coincide with the first two games of the NFL regular season, including a Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers matchup streaming on Netflix at 8:35 p.m. Eastern.

Democrats are responding with a mixed approach; the Tarrant County Democratic Party in Texas is ignoring the event, calling it an extremely desperate ploy for attention, while Dallas County Democrats are hosting a "We the People" rally. Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville characterized the convention as a giant scam designed to extract cash from loyalists, arguing it will supercharge an already energized Democratic electorate.