Republicans Gather in Texas, Elevating Trump Despite Deep Divisions and Waning Support
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The Republican National Committee holds a two-day convention in Dallas, centering President Donald Trump, as the party clings to power and some GOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump's toxic legacy.
Republicans assembled in Dallas, Texas, for a two-day 'midterm convention' that once again placed President Donald Trump, a figure synonymous with division and scandal, at the heart of their agenda. The event, orchestrated by the Republican National Committee, is an attempt to repackage tired right-wing talking points about lowering costs and border security, all while ignoring the needs of marginalized communities and working people. Their stated goal: to desperately hold onto a fragile majority in the House of Representatives.
Trump, whose approval rating languishes at a dismal 38 percent, is scheduled to appear both nights, underscoring the party's continued capitulation to his brand of reactionary politics. The RNC is touting the convention as a major outreach effort, but the reality is that it serves to embolden extremist rhetoric and policies just weeks before the November elections.
"We are lowering costs, securing our border, making our communities safer, and putting American workers and families first," claimed RNC chairman Joe Gruters, repeating familiar Republican slogans that often mask policies benefiting the wealthy and corporations.
Notably, several Republican members of Congress, including Michigan candidate Tom Barrett and Iowa candidate Zach Nunn, have chosen not to attend, openly citing concerns about being associated with Trump and the exorbitant $25,000 ticket price—a stark reminder of the party’s elitist priorities. Only about 100 lawmakers and candidates are expected, highlighting the internal fractures and growing discomfort with Trump’s influence.
Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that Democrats would be present in Dallas to "counter the falsehoods and extremism" on display, providing a necessary check on the GOP’s dangerous agenda.
Confirmed attendees include Senate candidate Ken Paxton, Ohio senator JD Vance, and former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt—figures known for their alignment with Trump’s most regressive policies. The RNC’s decision to open ticket applications after a lackluster lottery response further reveals waning enthusiasm for the event.
This convention unfolds as political forecasters give Republicans only a slim chance of retaining the House, while Democrats are poised to gain Senate seats and curb Trump’s destructive influence in what could be his final years of relevance.