Republican National Convention 2026 LIVE updates: Trump, Vance to speak as US midterms loom

Paul DyerUpdated September 10, 2026 — 6:11am,first published 6:03amKey PostsWhat is a midterm convention and why is it happening?By This two-day convention has been dreamed up by President Donald Trump to rally his supporters for this year’s midterm elections.Trump has said he wanted to channel the kind of political extravaganza that each party holds every four years to formally nominate a presidential candidate and showcase their vision for the country. There’s even going to be a huge balloon drop at the end.People arrive at the Republican convention in Dallas.AP Photo/Alex BrandonRepublicans have never held a midterm convention before, although Democrats did in the 1970s and 1980s. Trump had long floated the idea of holding such an event, and Republicans worked to make his wish a reality.Midterms are often difficult for the party in power in Washington, and Trump believes the event can energise the party and boost turnout among his voters.“Pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot,” Trump said recently in South Carolina. “Just come and vote.”Republicans hope the gathering will help catapult their candidates into November and also showcase the first two years of Trump’s term. Although his poll numbers are sagging, Trump insists that running on his record will give Republicans their best shot at winning.APLatest Posts6.11amAir Force One emergency slide randomly deploys, moments before Trump boardsBy A funny thing happened on the way to the convention …The US president’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One took off for Dallas on Wednesday afternoon (US time) – but not before an issue with the inflatable emergency slide was resolved.An emergency inflatable slide deployed before President Donald Trump arrived to board Air Force One.AP Photo/Jacquelyn MartinAsked whether he was sure the jet was safe for his trip to Texas, the president expressed no doubt: “Yeah, I am, or I wouldn’t be on it.”Trump said crews had been testing an emergency slide that was seen deployed on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews.6.00amWho is due to speak?By Organisers have said there will be more than 50 speakers or presentations across the two-night convention, with many appearances kept short to maintain a fast pace. Trump has promised there will be “lots of Great Entertainment” and has referred to it as “a RALLY like none other”.Trump is due to speak on both nights and will give a keynote address on Wednesday, US time (Thursday morning AEST). On Thursday (Friday AEST), he’s scheduled to appear again, after a speech by Vice President JD Vance.Trump has pledged that this convention will be a rally like none other.BloombergOther speakers include Trump administration officials such as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.Also set to address the crowd are Attorney-General Todd Blanche, the president’s son Donald Trump Jr, and former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, as well as Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton and Mike Rogers, the party’s Senate nominee in Michigan.What is a midterm convention and why is it happening?By This two-day convention has been dreamed up by President Donald Trump to rally his supporters for this year’s midterm elections.Trump has said he wanted to channel the kind of political extravaganza that each party holds every four years to formally nominate a presidential candidate and showcase their vision for the country. There’s even going to be a huge balloon drop at the end.People arrive at the Republican convention in Dallas.AP Photo/Alex BrandonRepublicans have never held a midterm convention before, although Democrats did in the 1970s and 1980s. Trump had long floated the idea of holding such an event, and Republicans worked to make his wish a reality.Midterms are often difficult for the party in power in Washington, and Trump believes the event can energise the party and boost turnout among his voters.5.57amHello and welcome to our coverageBy Hello and welcome to our coverage of the first-ever Republican midterm convention, taking place over two nights in Dallas, Texas. 1 of 1