Trump to headline first GOP midterm convention in Dallas

The Republican National Committee has released the speaking schedule for the firstever GOP midterm convention, set to take place this week in Dallas. President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on Wednesday night and return on Thursday to close the event, which Republicans are using to rally supporters ahead of the midterm elections. The convention comes as the GOP works to defend narrow majorities in the House and Senate. Party leaders say the event will highlight Republican policy achievements and contrast them with Democratic proposals, while Democrats have criticized the gathering as an expensive display centered on Trump. Several Republican candidates in competitive races are also expected to speak, including Senate hopefuls in Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Georgia, and Michigan, along with House incumbents and nominees in battleground districts. Other speakers include House Speaker Mike Johnson, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. Ted Cruz, and cabinet officials such as Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.