- President Donald Trump is kicking off the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, where he is scheduled to deliver speeches on both nights and participate in a fundraiser for his MAGA Inc. Super PAC.
- The two-day event, beginning Wednesday, aims to energize voters and raise campaign funds, charging top donors $88,600 for a photo with President Trump and asking sitting House members for contributions up to $100,000 to attend.
- Around 45 Republican elected officials and candidates in close races are snubbing the spectacle to focus on their individual campaigns, with some lawmakers privately describing the event as disorganized and a waste of time.
- The convention's timing has drawn scrutiny due to Trump's historically low approval ratings, its proximity to the 25th anniversary of September 11, and direct television competition from the NFL regular season kickoff game on Wednesday night.
- The official speaker lineup features prominent Trump administration officials and conservative allies, including Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
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