President Donald Trump took center stage Wednesday at the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, using his keynote speech to propose paying every American adult $5,000 — even as a notable number of Republican lawmakers and candidates chose to stay away from the two-day event just two months before the November elections.
GOP’s First Midterm Convention
The gathering at the American Airlines Center broke from tradition. Unlike conventions held in presidential election years to nominate candidates and set party platforms, the Dallas event conducted no formal party business. Instead, it functioned as a turnout rally, an idea Trump began floating roughly a year ago amid concern that Republicans tend to underperform in elections when he isn’t personally on the ballot.
Organizers expected around 30,000 attendees over the two days, with the event funded by GOP donors at a cost exceeding $40 million.
Trump’s $5,000 Proposal Takes Spotlight
The evening’s most attention-grabbing moment came when Trump proposed paying every adult U.S. citizen $5,000 if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in November, with the condition that the money be spent domestically.
Trump offered no details on how the payments would be funded, authorized or administered. With roughly 270 million American adults in the country, such a program would cost an estimated $1.35 trillion. The proposal immediately raised questions about its funding and administration, and Democrats dismissed it as an “empty promise.”
Trump also addressed rising gas prices tied to the ongoing Iran conflict, acknowledging relief was unlikely before the midterms while defending the broader policy as necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
On his own political future, Trump — who cannot appear on a ballot again — told the crowd, “I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” a reflection of his belief that he remains the party’s most effective driver of turnout.
Why So Many Republicans Skipped Dallas
A survey of Republican lawmakers and candidates found that many were not planning to attend the convention or had not decided whether to go, with reasons ranging from scheduling conflicts to discomfort appearing alongside Trump so close to Election Day.
Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett, facing a competitive reelection race, said he felt he’d be “more useful” in his district. “I can’t control what the president’s going to say at the convention, but I can control where I’m at, what I’m doing,” he said.
Other Republicans in competitive races cited personal or scheduling commitments. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine cited a longstanding practice of skipping conventions while up for reelection, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania said plainly, “I’m not a party guy.” Several lawmakers also pointed to prior commitments tied to the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Cost Becomes Another Issue
Some Republicans also cited the cost of attending. An NRCC memo reportedly outlined a minimum $25,000 contribution for certain convention access and accommodations, with higher giving tiers unlocking additional rooms and events. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee said the price tag factored into his hesitation: “It’s $25,000, apparently — I just got a bill.”
Republican Leaders Rally Behind Trump
Despite the absences, most top GOP congressional leaders attended, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Potential 2028 contenders such as Sen. Ted Cruz were also present, along with several battleground Senate candidates.
JD Vance and the 2028 Question
Vice President JD Vance addressed the convention Thursday, just ahead of Trump’s closing remarks. Vance’s appearance also drew attention because of growing speculation about the Republican Party’s 2028 presidential field.
Political Pressure Builds Ahead of Midterms
The convention unfolded against a difficult backdrop for Trump. A recent poll put his approval rating at 33 percent — the lowest of his second term — as voters continued to cite the cost of living as a top concern amid the Iran conflict and a trade dispute with Canada.
Why the Convention Matters
Trump’s proposal and his presence in Dallas reflect his continued belief that his personal popularity can drive Republican turnout in the midterms. But the number of competitive-race candidates opting to stay in their districts instead suggests some Republicans are choosing to prioritize their own campaigns over a national, Trump-centered event — a tension that could shape how the party performs in November.
