Trump's unusual role at midterm convention revealed as schedule goes public
EXCLUSIVE — DALLAS — With an eye toward energizing the GOP's MAGA base, the Republican National Committee (RNC) on Tuesday announced the speaking order and times of this week's first-ever GOP midterm convention, and President Donald Trump will be the Primetime headliner both nights.According to the list, which was shared first with Fox News Digital on the eve of the convention, the president will deliver Wednesday's keynote address, which is tentatively scheduled to start at 9 p.m.ET.Trump will return on Thursday evening at the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas to close out the convention, with remarks after Vice President JD Vance gives the second night's keynote speech.With less than two months to go until the midterm elections, Trump and Republicans are gathering in Texas for their historic confab as they aim to energize the party's base ahead of key races that will determine whether the GOP keeps control of Congress.
Supporters of the president traditionally do not turn out in robust numbers when Trump is not on the ballot.DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUBPresident Donald Trump, seen at campaign rally for Sen.Darline Graham at Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
on Aug.21, 2026, will speak in primetime Wednesday and Thursday at the GOP's midterm convention.
(SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)Democrats and Republicans traditionally hold large nominating conventions during presidential election years.But Trump last year floated the idea of a similar gathering ahead of the midterms to showcase the signature policy achievements he and Republicans in Congress have produced over the past two years.The president called the convention "a truly Historic Event" and "a RALLY like none other!" when he announced it earlier this summer.The convention comes as Republicans face energized Democrats and stiff political headwinds as they defend their slim House and Senate majorities in the midterms.But Republicans are...