September 10, 2026 | 02:41 pm
United States President Donald Trump. Shutterstock
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - US President Donald Trump used the opening night of the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas to rally his supporters ahead of November’s congressional elections, while reiterating familiar positions on the economy, the war in Iran and other issues.The two-day event, held to help Republicans maintain control of Congress, had many features of a presidential election convention, including campaign speeches, supporters in elaborate costumes and vendors selling political merchandise. However, no official party business was conducted.Trump delivered the keynote address on Wednesday, speaking at length to a crowd dominated by his supporters. Here are four key takeaways from the convention, based on reporting by BBC and ABC News.Trump Urges Republicans to Treat Him as if on BallotTrump acknowledged the challenge facing Republicans in the midterms, when his name will not appear on the ballot."I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot," Trump told the crowd, as cited by BBC.His continued dominance over the Republican Party was evident at the convention, where many of his strongest supporters gathered. Several more moderate Republicans, including Senator Susan Collins of Maine, stayed away as they campaign in competitive races.The event also highlighted questions about the party’s future beyond Trump. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among the names frequently mentioned by convention attendees as potential contenders for the 2028 presidential election.Trump, however, showed no indication that he intended to step back from the party’s political spotlight.Trump Defends the Iran War Despite Economic ConcernsTrump also addressed concerns over the cost of living, acknowledging earlier Wednesday that Americans might have to wait longer for relief from high fuel prices."I think it's going to take a little bit longer than the midterms," Trump said.In his convention speech, he defended the economic costs associated with the war in Iran, arguing that short-term pain was necessary to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.The message comes as affordability remains a major concern for American voters. Trump’s approval rating has also declined as the conflict in Iran has continued, according to a Financial Times/Focaldata poll cited by the BBC.Trump Pledges $5,000 for US AdultsTrump also proposed giving every adult US citizen $5,000 if Republicans win control of both chambers of Congress in November.He said the money would have to be spent in the United States but did not provide details on how the plan would be financed or implemented.Democrats quickly criticized the proposal as an "empty promise," while questions were also raised about its legality.With nearly 270 million adults in the United States, a $5,000 payment to each would cost the government about $1.3 trillion.The proposal nevertheless received loud applause from the convention crowd.Vulnerable Republicans Stick Close to TrumpMore than a dozen Republicans from competitive districts attended the convention, highlighting Trump's continued importance to lawmakers facing difficult reelection races.Some lawmakers promoted policies associated with Trump's administration, while others emphasized issues such as tax relief and healthcare without directly mentioning the president.For many House Republicans, aligning with Trump is a bet that he can energize lower-turnout Republican voters who helped him win the 2024 election.“Nobody has brought more enthusiasm to the Republican Party in 40 years,” Texas Rep. August Pfluger told ABC News.Trump also remains a key figure in Republican primaries, backed by an outside political group with $400 million and a willingness to support allies while targeting his critics.“We take care of our bad people,” Trump said Wednesday. “We really take care of our good people.”
