GOP Midterm Convention Aims to Revitalize Trump-Era Messaging Amid Low Approval Ratings

The Republican National Committee is holding a two-night midterm convention in Dallas, Texas—an atypical move for a non-presidential election year. The schedule includes at least 109 speakers, with Trump appearing on both nights and Vice President JD Vance slated for a keynote address.

Newsweek

Multiple surveys released in early September show President Trump’s approval hovering between 28 % and 37 % nationally. A YouGov/The Economist poll of 1,469 registered voters conducted from September 4 to 8, 2026 recorded 37 % approval and 61 % disapproval. A Morning Consult poll of 2,201 registered voters (September 4-6) reported a net approval of –11, with 54 % disapproving and 43 % approving. An NBC News Decision Desk poll of 7,105 adults surveyed from August 20 to September 1 found 36 % approval and 64 % disapproval.

Newsweek

Generic-ballot polls also favor Democrats: YouGov shows Democrats at 42 % versus Republicans at 35 %; Morning Consult shows a 46 %–42 % split; Reuters/Ipsos reports a 43 %–38 % advantage. Prediction-market odds give Democrats an 84-88 % chance of winning the House and a roughly even split on the Senate.

Newsweek

President Trump dismissed low-approval polls, labeling them “Demoralization Operations” intended to suppress Republican turnout. He also claimed the convention would be “sold out tonight” and that “everybody” wants to attend.

Newsweek

• “They’re putting them out at levels never seen before,” — Donald Trump, President

Newsweek

• “By the way, we’re going to be sold out tonight, just so you understand,” — Donald Trump, President

Newsweek

• “Every politician that we wanted to be there is there,” — Donald Trump, President

Newsweek

• “I’m not a party guy. I believe in ending the two-party system. Get back to our roots as a country.” — Zach Nunn, Iowa Representative

Newsweek