'The overall numbers': Trump claims GOP convention topped the NFL

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said the Republican midterm convention in Dallas drew audience numbers that he claimed surpassed the NFL despite competing with its season opener.

The convention was held to rally support for Republicans seeking to retain narrow majorities in Congress during the midterm elections.

Trump made the claim in a Truth Social post on Thursday, September 10, after appearing at the convention the previous night.

Trump points to convention's NFL matchup

“The overall numbers beat the NFL,” Trump wrote in his post, while also claiming the Dallas arena broke its own attendance records and was packed.

Trump said the event was “a major, sold out hit” and described it as “far bigger, better, and more important than anyone thought possible.”

He also claimed thousands of people who could not enter the arena remained outside, with screens provided for them. 

Trump added that the convention was “streaming all over the place.”

The event faced a direct television draw from the NFL season opener Wednesday night, a rematch of this year's Super Bowl between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, according to NPR.

A primetime football game was also scheduled for Thursday night.

Trump said he would return Thursday to close out the convention, adding, “I guess people LOVE TRUMP POLITICS!”

The convention’s unusual scale was part of a broader effort to use Trump’s popularity to drive Republican turnout in an election without his name on the ballot, the outlet said.

President Trump is using the event to push turnout

Trump has previously argued that Republicans vote at higher rates when he is personally on the ballot, as per the report.

At a recent rally, he urged voters to “pretend please, that I am on the ballot” and come out to vote.

The strategy is aimed at rebuilding the coalition that returned Trump to office in 2024, particularly voters who may not participate when there is no presidential contest, the report stated.

The outlet reported that Trump also told attendees, “If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000.”

Trump said the money would have to be spent in the United States, but did not provide details on its funding or legality. Based on the most recent Census data cited in the report, the payments could cost $1 trillion or more.

Republicans used the gathering to promote Trump

Trump remained the central figure during the event, which was billed as a “Trumpapalooza” as Republican candidates, lawmakers, and supporters praised him and his policies.

Rep Tom Emmer, R-Minn, told the crowd, “Let’s hear it for the man who had the vision to hold this convention.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate nominee, asked for support while acknowledging that Democratic state Rep James Talarico had a financial advantage in the race.

“I need your prayers, your vote and your support,” Paxton said. “If we lose Texas, we lose the common sense revolution. If we lose the common sense revolution, we lose America.”

Attorney General Todd Blanche also addressed the administration’s law enforcement agenda, saying, “President Trump will hold you accountable.”

The gathering comes as some Republicans argue that leaning into Trump is the party’s strongest option for the midterms. 

Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, said, “Running to President Trump and defending his record, I think, is an interesting strategy, and I think it is so interesting that it might just work.”