President Trump will now address the Republican convention on both nights. This expanded role competes with the NFL season's opening games. Party officials are concerned about attracting attendees to the Dallas event. Trump faces weak approval ratings amid voter dissatisfaction with current issues. The convention aims to rally voters behind Trump's agenda before elections.

The US president was originally set to close out the event but will now also take the stage the first night to ‘set the tone’.

The convention’s opening night will coincide with a Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.