DALLAS — Facing a difficult political environment as Republicans fight to hold their congressional majorities, President Donald Trump used his address at the first-ever GOP midterm convention to unveil an unusual offer: a $5,000 dividend for every adult U.S.citizen if Republicans hold their House and Senate majorities.With less than two months until the midterm elections — and early voting just weeks away — Trump and Republican leaders on the first night of the two-day convention used their speeches to showcase policy wins and paint Democratic Party politicians as far-left radicals.Facing energized Democrats and stiff political headwinds, Trump and Republicans are using the gathering at the American Airlines Center in Dallas to motivate the party's MAGA base and boost turnout in key races that will determine control of Congress."I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot," the president urged, as he rallied his supporters.FOX NEWS LIVE UPDATES FROM THE REPUBLICAN MIDTERM COVENTIONPresident Donald Trump speaks on stage on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on Sept.
9, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.Trump headlined the Republican National Committee's first-ever midterm convention to highlight his administration's achievements and rally support for GOP candidates ahead of the November elections.
(Brandon Bell/Getty Images)Here are five takeaways from night one at what's been described by Republican leaders as a "Trumpapalooza.Trump's offer to AmericansNearly an hour into his address, Trump unveiled what he described as "the best part of the speech," direct payments to the Americans funded by tariff revenues if Republicans retain control of Congress."If the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, both of them," Trump announced, "because of our tremendous strength and success economically, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of �...