President Donald Trump will be the headliner, Vice President JD Vance the opening act and tax cuts, border security and cultural battles the recurring refrain when Republicans take over Dallas for two nights next month.
The Republican National Committee on Tuesday released the first detailed schedule for its Sept. 9–10 midterm convention, a 109-segment production designed to promote Trump’s record and boost GOP candidates in the November elections.
“Over two action-packed days, we will take Americans through the defining issues of our party’s agenda and what is at stake,” RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said.
Trump will appear both nights and deliver the closing keynote Sept. 10. Vance will be the main speaker the first night. Texas leaders also are expected to play a role, though the announcement provided no details.
Candidates for the House, Senate and governorships will appear throughout the convention, joined by workers, parents, small-business owners, immigrants and families whose stories will be used to illustrate Republican priorities.
The convention is more of a rally than a traditional nominating event, built around a parade of speeches and testimonials. Outside the heavily secured gathering, protest groups plan demonstrations and marches near the American Airlines Center.
Some nearby businesses have told The Dallas Morning News they plan to close during the event, while others are preparing for crowds and street restrictions.
Inside the arena, Republicans will promote the party’s “no tax” policies for tips, overtime and Social Security, along with child tax credits and new pathways to retirement savings.
Other major themes include border enforcement, public safety, domestic manufacturing, school choice, lower prescription drug prices and opposition to Democratic positions on immigration and transgender athletes.
The convention will honor Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder assassinated last year. The second night also will include children and families of first responders to help mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks before concluding with Trump’s speech.