A Texas take on the GOP was on display in Dallas Wednesday as Republicans sporting red, white and blue sequins, rhinestone-studded cowboy hats and Trump-themed accessories gathered for a midterm convention centered heavily on the president.
Attendees dressed for the occasion in everything from glittering patriotic ensembles and MAGA hats to slogan-covered shirts and cowboy-inspired looks, while Trump’s image appeared on clothing, accessories—even cars and rubber ducks.
The two-day gathering, billed as a “Trump-a-Palooza,” is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees and more than 100 speakers.
People hold signs on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 09, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
A man wears patriotic clothing on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 09, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
People arrive at the Republican convention, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
People attend the Republican convention, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Rubber ducks shaped as U.S. President Donald Trump are seen at a store outside of the American Airlines Center ahead of the 2026 RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Merchandise is displayed during preparation for the RNCMidterm Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 08, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
A logo in the shape of U.S. President Donald Trump’s profile appears on a gold car near the American Airlines Center ahead of the 2026 RNC Midterm Convention on September 08, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
A coffee cup with U.S. President Donald Trump likeness is on display for purchase on the first day of the 2026 RNC at the American Airlines Center on September 09, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Guests arrive ahead of the start of the first day of the RNC Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on September 9, 2026. (Photo by Blake Fagan / AFP via Getty Images)
People cheer at the start on the first day of the 2026 RNC at the American Airlines Center on September 09, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The glittery, patriotic look has become a familiar part of Republican convention style in the decade since Trump first became the party’s presidential nominee in 2016.
That year in Cleveland, convention-goers sported everything from Trump capes and socks to flag suits and bedazzled red, white and blue hats.
Eight years later, the look was still going strong. At the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, attendees turned out in bedazzled American flags, cowboy hats, boots and red-white-and-blue ensembles.
American flag motifs appeared on gowns, vests and heels, while MAGA hats, Trump-Vance merchandise and other Trump-branded clothing were common across the convention floor. Some attendees also wore makeshift ear bandages in a show of support for Trump following the assassination attempt against him days earlier.
The GOP’s First Midterm Convention
The two-day convention marks the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm gathering and is part rally, part fundraiser as the GOP looks to energize voters ahead of November.
President Donald Trump will deliver a keynote address Wednesday before returning for closing remarks Thursday following a speech by Vice President JD Vance.
Before departing for Dallas, Trump said he was expecting a large turnout.
“I think we’re going to have a tremendous crowd tonight,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews before departing for Dallas Wednesday.
“Sold out. Looks very big. Looks very exciting, and we’re going to explain what we’ve done,” he said.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One on September 09, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The convention comes less than two months before the November 3 midterm elections, when voters will decide control of Congress. Republicans are using the gathering to promote candidates, highlight the administration’s record and rally supporters ahead of Election Day.
The convention will highlight Republican priorities including immigration and border security, tax cuts, the economy, education and health care.
“In 2026, the stakes could not be higher. All elections offer voters a path to the future,” the RNC said.
Programming will spotlight provisions of Trump’s tax legislation, including no tax on tips and an enhanced child tax credit. Other scheduled topics include prescription drug costs, trade and a proposed ban on members of Congress trading stocks.
Members of Trump’s Cabinet and other administration officials are also scheduled to take the stage over the course of the convention. Wednesday’s lineup includes Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Housing Secretary Scott Turner and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Samantha Beech and Gray R. Thomas
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