Republicans conclude Dallas convention with Trump and Vance rallying voters
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance closed a two-day Republican convention in Dallas, urging voter turnout and highlighting the party’s agenda ahead of the midterm elections.
DALLAS —
Republicans concluded their two-day midterm convention in Dallas with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance urging voters to mobilize ahead of November’s elections.
During his remarks, Trump asked thousands of attendees to raise their right hands and join him in a pledge to vote.
“Get out and vote, please. Get out and vote,” Trump said.
The convention featured Republican speakers highlighting the party’s tax law, border enforcement and economic agenda as the GOP fights to maintain control of Congress.
Trump also returned Thursday to his promise to send $5,000 payments to American adults if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate.
Trump told CBS News Texas he does not believe congressional approval would necessarily be required.
The proposal could cost roughly $1.2 trillion. Legal and budget experts say Congress would likely have to authorize the money.
Vance pointed to tariff revenue as a possible funding source, though current tariff collections would cover only a fraction of the cost.
The final night also included moments of remembrance ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and marking one year since the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“We will honor Charlie by carrying his torch to save this nation that we all love so dearly,” Donald Trump Jr. said.
Republicans leave Dallas facing political challenges.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll put Trump’s approval rating at 33% and found Democrats expressing greater enthusiasm than Republicans about voting in November. Historically, the president’s party has also typically lost ground in midterm elections.
Vance used his speech to urge Republicans to turn out in November.
“We received this national birthright, and we are going to fight for it by electing Republicans this November,” Vance said.
The convention was designed in part to rally the Republican base and build enthusiasm heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Trump has promised to take that effort on the road, campaigning for Republican candidates across the country.
But some candidates in competitive races skipped the Dallas convention, including Republicans seeking distance from the president and others who remained in their districts to campaign.
That sets up the next test for Republicans: whether the enthusiasm generated in Dallas can translate into turnout in the races that will determine control of Congress.