DALLAS, United States: The Republican midterm convention ended with President Donald Trump urging supporters to back GOP candidates as the party campaigns to retain control of Congress in November.
During the two-day event at the American Airlines Centre, administration officials and candidates in competitive races largely aligned themselves with Trump and his political agenda.
Trump repeatedly pressed his supporters to vote even though his own name will not appear on the midterm ballot. On the first day, he asked attendees to “pretend that I’m on the ballot.”
In his Wednesday keynote, Trump also pledged USD 5,000 to every American adult if Republicans retain both the House and Senate.
The convention featured speeches from Republican candidates including North Carolina Senate nominee Michael Whatley, Ohio Senator Jon Husted, Michigan Senate nominee Mike Rogers and Pennsylvania Representative Ryan Mackenzie.
Read: Trump $5,000 Dividend Pledge if GOP Wins US Midterms
Speakers repeatedly attacked Democratic opponents and portrayed the November elections as a choice between Republican policies and what they described as socialism, communism and political radicalism.
The ongoing war with Iran received limited attention during the convention. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged disagreements over administration policy but urged voters not to support Democrats because of individual disputes with the White House.
Read: US Supreme Court Rejects Trump-Backed Missouri Map
Thousands of empty seats on both days, including much of the arena’s upper level, despite Trump saying the venue was packed. Early voting is approaching in several states as Republicans and Democrats prepare for the November congressional elections.
