President Donald Trump touched down at an unprecedented midterm Republican convention, aiming to energize the GOP’s fight to hold Congress in November by sharpening the party’s case against Democrats.
The opening night began in unmistakably Trump-style fashion: the president emerged as Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA,” setting the stage for his first address at the Dallas gathering. Trump is slated to speak on both nights of the convention.
Still, the lineup of attendees offers a revealing glimpse at the political headwinds surrounding him.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is not scheduled to speak, a notable omission after Trump’s public irritation with the South Dakota Republican over stalled parts of his agenda. Other leaders from the House and Senate, however, were given speaking slots.
A number of Republicans running in some of the nation’s most closely watched contests are also avoiding the main stage. That group includes Maine Senator Susan Collins, Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who is seeking a US Senate seat, and John E Sununu, the GOP nominee hoping to turn New Hampshire’s Senate seat red.
Most prognosticators expect Democrats to win back the US House of Representatives, but the Senate will be tougher with battleground races in Maine, Ohio, Michigan and Alaska set to determine control.
Trump’s own trip to Texas was delayed Wednesday after his new Qatari-gifted Air Force One deployed its emergency evacuation slide.
His keynote has competition too. The NFL season kicks off the same night with the New England Patriots at the Seattle Seahawks, a rematch of February’s Super Bowl.
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with attendees as he arrives to speak during the Republican National Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on September 9, 2026
People pause during the program on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 09, 2026 in Dallas, Texas
Some seats were empty at the opening of the first day of the Midterm Republican National Convention (RNC) as crowds waited outside in 95 degree heat to enter the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on September 9th, 2026
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US Air Force personnel remove an emergency inflatable slide after it deployed on Air Force One before President Donald Trump arrived to board it on his way to Dallas
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters holds up a giant gavel as he speaks on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention
20,000 convention attendees descended upon Dallas to take part in the historic midterm gathering.
Yet, not all of the party faithful were excited about the event.
One GOP lobbyist told Politico Playbook, ‘the vibes are very bad,’ while two others remarked that Trump will be competing for attention with the start of the NFL season.
House lawmakers including Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin were early speakers on Wednesday’s slate.
Luna attacked Democrats for their history of self-serving stock trading, and Van Orden boosted Trump’s Rural Healthcare plan.
US Senate nominees including Ken Paxton of Texas, Michael Whatley of North Carolina, and Mike Collins of Georgia are expected to speak, as is incumbent Ohio Senator Jon Husted.
Trump’s cabinet secretaries including Brooke Rollins, Scott Bessent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and even Attorney General Todd Blanche are on the agenda as well.
The two day event will also include a tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated while speaking on the campus of Utah Valley University last September. The 25th anniversary of 9-11, taking place on Friday, will also be commemorated during Thursday’s programming at the convention.