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

Paul DyerUpdated September 10, 2026 — 6:57am,first published 6:03amKey PostsHello 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. Latest Posts6.57am‘Bizarre’: Democrats mock Trump’s convention as a distraction from faltering presidencyBy Bill BarrowDallas: It’s not just Republicans descending on Dallas for the convention – Democrats are there too as they try to convince voters that the reality of Donald Trump’s second presidency doesn’t match the spectacle of his made-for-TV event.“This bizarre Republican midterm convention here can’t paper over the fact that Republicans have done nothing to earn your vote,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender.There’s plenty of patriotism on show as the Republican convention begins in Dallas.AP Photo/Julia Demaree NikhinsonTrump organised the two-day gathering in an attempt to boost Republican enthusiasm despite his low approval ratings, economic concerns and dissatisfaction over the war with Iran.Democrats are trying to capitalise on voters’ frustration to retake control of Congress, and several leading House Democrats were travelling to Dallas for events.6.44amTrump says Iran war will end ‘immediately after’ after US midterm electionsBy Aamer MadhaniWashington: US President Donald Trump says oil prices that surged because of the Iran war probably won’t come down until after US midterm elections.Oil prices on Wednesday jumped more than 3 per cent, pushing international Brent crude past the $US100 threshold for the first time since July, as salvos between the US and Iran escalated.A boy on a beach overlooking commercial vessels anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, this week.AP Photo/Vahid Salemi“Right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward,” Trump said. “I think it’s going to take a little bit longer than the midterm.”Trump, in an exchange with reporters before travelling to Dallas for the convention, added that he believed Iran would finally relent after the pivotal November 3 elections.6.29am‘Trump-a-Palooza’ puts president at the centre of midterms. Not everyone is thrilledBy Jill ColvinDallas: The Republicans’ highly unusual midterm convention in Dallas is a “Trump-a-Palooza” that is putting the president at the centre of November’s midterm elections – whether the candidates running like it or not.Many party members, including those facing tight races, are skipping the two-day affair, citing conflicting obligations or baulking at demands that they pony up for access.President Donald Trump talks before flying to Dallas.AP Photo/Jacquelyn MartinOthers are hoping an appearance alongside President Donald Trump will put them in the national spotlight as they work to turn out his voters without him on the ballot.An Associated Press survey of more than four dozen Republican candidates found a majority either planned not to attend, said their plans were yet to be determined, or ignored requests for comment.6.11amAir 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.5.59amWhat 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.Hello 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