Trump alters RNC midterm convention schedule, will address crowd on night one

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Friday, September 4, changed the schedule for the Republican National Committee’s first-ever midterm convention, announcing that he will only be speaking on the opening night of the two-day gathering in Dallas. 

Trump had previously indicated he would attend both nights but is now set to address the Republican convention on September 9. The convention is scheduled for September 9 and 10 as Republicans prepare for the upcoming November 2026 midterm elections.

Trump moves to opening night as GOP unveils convention lineup

Trump announced the change in a Truth Social post, describing the gathering next week as “The Greatest Rally of them all,” the president wrote, “I'll be speaking on night one, and hanging around for an earlier closing, and lots of music, on night two!!! See you in Dallas.” 

Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on the second night on September 10. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Todd Blanche and former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt are also scheduled to deliver major addresses.

The broader lineup includes House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, Senator Tim Scott, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz, Texas Attorney General and Senate candidate Ken Paxton and others. 

The convention will also feature Republican candidates running in competitive House and Senate races. Its programming includes more than 100 events covering issues such as education and parental rights, as well as panels featuring candidates campaigning in swing districts. 

The RNC also plans to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s impact on young Americans on the anniversary of his death, with the event scheduled to include a voter-mobilization effort tied to his legacy.

The schedule change comes as some Republicans have faced difficulties planning for the convention. A GOP operative told The Hill that the event’s late-June announcement gave candidates and incumbents limited time to organize their participation. “Lot of things made this very hasty that didn't need to happen,” the operative said.

Trump announced convention in June as Democrats reject similar event

Trump announced the convention on June 30, writing in a post on X that "the Republican Party will hold a Midterm convention. It will be in Dallas, Texas, One of my favorite places in the World.” The RNC changed its rules earlier this year to permit such a gathering.

The event breaks from the traditional role of national conventions, which are generally held during presidential election years to formally nominate the party’s presidential ticket. Republicans are instead using the Dallas gathering to promote the administration and support candidates ahead of the November midterms, when control of Congress will be at stake.

Democrats decided against holding a similar midterm convention, citing financial considerations. 

DNC Director of Rapid Response Kendall Witmer criticized the Republican event, saying, “The American people can't afford their bills or to fill up at the pump because of Donald Trump, and Republicans' response is to throw a multi-million-dollar televised celebration for Trump.”