Full Breakdown
Trump Urges Supporters to “Cheat Like Hell” at GOP Midterm Convention
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
During the second night of the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, former President Donald Trump asked attendees to raise their right hands and recite a pledge that urged them to “cheat like hell” at the ballot box. The pledge was repeated by several supporters, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Background and Context
The convention was staged as a response to mounting concerns within the GOP that the party could lose both the House and Senate in the upcoming midterms. Polls show President Trump’s approval at historic lows, and the party faces criticism over the economy and foreign-policy issues. Early voting has begun in several states, and the event was marked by visibly empty sections of the American Airlines Center. Dozens of Republican lawmakers reportedly boycotted the convention, fearing association with Trump’s rhetoric could hurt their electoral prospects.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump also announced a plan to distribute $5,000 checks to every U.S. adult if Republicans win control of both chambers, a proposal that would exceed $1 trillion in cost. In the same speech, he warned that Republicans who fail to vote would “go to hell.”
Criticism & Opposition
Amanda Carpenter, a writer for the nonpartisan group Protect Democracy United, described the $5,000 payout as a “bribe” and called the overall approach “incredibly desperate.” An unnamed House Republican expressed skepticism, saying there is “zero chance of this happening.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “That I will go out with my family, my friends—I’ll do it any way. I don’t care if I’m registered or not, I’m going to try and cheat like hell, like they do,” — Donald Trump, visible as president
- “Night One: Trump offers $5k bribes to get people to vote for Republicans,” — Amanda Carpenter, a writer for the nonpartisan group Protect Democracy United
