Top GOP candidates skip Trump’s midterm convention as empty seats dominate arena
- President Donald Trump claimed the American Airlines Center in Dallas was packed for his Republican midterms convention speech, despite photos showing large sections of empty seats.
- The event suffered from technical glitches, including a malfunctioning screen behind Trump, and drew few congressional Republicans.
- Trump’s speech ran past 90 minutes, prompting many attendees to leave early despite his claims that nobody was departing.
- During his address, Trump endorsed Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, jokingly called him ugly, and criticized Democratic opponent James Talarico.
- Trump pledged to give voters $5,000 checks if Republicans keep control of Congress, drawing criticism and legal questions over the estimated $1.3 trillion cost.
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