Story perspectives

Trump, Vance Headline First GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas

9/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States hosts the first GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.
U.S. President Donald Trump will speak on Wednesday night and Thursday night.
Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Todd Blanche will speak.
House Speaker Mike Johnson will address the convention while Senate Majority Leader John Thune is absent.
Rick Wilson called the gathering a “Fyre Festival RNC convention” and warned it could backfire.

History

Historical Context

Mayor Richard J. Daley’s deployment of 23,000 police and National Guard troops against over 10,000 anti-war demonstrators at Chicago’s August 26-29 1968 Democratic National Convention sparked televised riots and prompted reforms to convention security. The chaotic scene, remembered for its violence and media backlash, frames today’s Dallas GOP midterm convention, where Donald Trump and JD Vance speak amid renewed security concerns.

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Story summary

The United States hosts the first GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.
U.S. President Donald Trump will speak on Wednesday night and Thursday night.
Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Todd Blanche will speak.
House Speaker Mike Johnson will address the convention while Senate Majority Leader John Thune is absent.
Rick Wilson called the gathering a “Fyre Festival RNC convention” and warned it could backfire.

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