Donald Trump's highly anticipated keynote address at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas was met with a stadium largely filled with empty seats and early technical glitches. This occurred despite Trump's earlier assertion that the "Trump-a-palooza" event was "sold out" and "everybody wants to be there." Organizers reportedly struggled to fill the arena, with many lawmakers choosing to campaign in their districts instead of attending due to concerns over high costs and Trump's low approval ratings. Sections beyond the convention floor, especially the upper decks, remained sparsely filled even as the event progressed.
Convention organizers were observed actively trying to direct attendees to specific sections, particularly Section 108 on the lower level, to give the appearance of a fuller venue. Previously, tickets for the two-day event had cost thousands of dollars, but organizers resorted to giving away seats for free. Despite the visible vacancies, Trump claimed to the audience that the venue was packed, with an equal number of people outside, and insisted that no one had left by the end of his more than 90-minute speech, though reports indicated otherwise.
The event aimed to rally support for GOP candidates ahead of the midterms and served as a fundraiser, particularly for Trump-endorsed Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton. During his speech, Trump vowed that if Republicans won both the House and Senate, every adult U.S. citizen would receive a $5,000 "dividend," provided the money was spent domestically. He also warned that a Republican loss would lead to the loss of border security, tax cuts, and general safety. This strategy of centering the midterm campaign around an unpopular president is seen as a significant test of his political power.
