President Donald Trump claimed the upcoming Republican midterm convention is “HOT,” even as reports point to high-profile absences and ticket giveaways. The first-of-its-kind event is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Dallas, less than two months before the November midterms that will decide control of the House and Senate. Trump is set to deliver two speeches, joined by Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Attorney General Todd Blanche and other officials.
But multiple reports indicate a significant number of GOP lawmakers - along with first lady Melania Trump - will skip the gathering, which is meant to boost party enthusiasm ahead of the elections. A Politico survey last week of 70 Republican candidates and lawmakers found 45 were not planning to travel to Dallas or were still deciding. Among those staying away, reasons ranged from prior commitments — such as fundraisers and weddings — to objections over steep ticket prices that reportedly climb into five figures for lawmakers.
Some absentees are in competitive races, including Michigan Rep. The Daily Beast also reported that most Republicans in tight races will not attend. At the same time, the Republican National Committee has blasted out free ticket offers via text message, touting front-row seats for lottery winners, The Independent previously reported.
In his Truth Social post, Trump appeared to try to explain why there might be absences. We don’t need people who are up 45 points, and have been in office for 30 years, as much as we love them all!” Announced by Trump in June, the convention has drawn skepticism for weeks. Last month, a GOP operative told Puck News the event risked becoming a “s*** show,” with ticket costs emerging as a major flashpoint.
The National Republican Campaign Committee is asking House members to pay $25,000 for themselves and a plus-one, according to three sources, with top-tier asks reaching $100,000. Some strategists also warned that Trump — whose approval ratings remain at historic lows in recent polls — could be a liability for Republicans in swing districts. The arena is full, the energy is high, and people are rocking.” Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
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