President Donald Trump claimed the upcoming Republican midterm convention is “HOT,” even as reports point to high-profile absences and ticket giveaways.
The first-of-its-kind event is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Dallas, less than two months before the November midterms that will decide control of the House and Senate. Trump is set to deliver two speeches, joined by Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Attorney General Todd Blanche and other officials.
“The Republican National Convention, tomorrow night in Dallas, is really ‘HOT!’ The American Airlines Center, home to the Dallas Mavericks, is totally sold out,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday evening.
But multiple reports indicate a significant number of GOP lawmakers – along with first lady Melania Trump – will skip the gathering, which is meant to boost party enthusiasm ahead of the elections.
A Politico survey last week of 70 Republican candidates and lawmakers found 45 were not planning to travel to Dallas or were still deciding. Among those staying away, reasons ranged from prior commitments — such as fundraisers and weddings — to objections over steep ticket prices that reportedly climb into five figures for lawmakers.
open image in gallerySome absentees are in competitive races, including Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett.
“I just felt I’d be more useful in my district,” Barrett told Politico. “I travel a lot for this job and if I can be back home and see my family and do the job back home as well, then that’s sort of what I lean toward doing.”
“I can’t control what the president’s going to say at the convention, but I can control where I’m at, what I’m doing,” he added.
The Daily Beast also reported that most Republicans in tight races will not attend.
At the same time, the Republican National Committee has blasted out free ticket offers via text message, touting front-row seats for lottery winners, The Independent previously reported.
In his Truth Social post, Trump appeared to try to explain why there might be absences.
“Everybody wants to be there, but we’re really asking only those Candidates that are in tight Races, a little up, a little down, or even, to speak,” he wrote. “We want to save the ‘stage’ for them. We don’t need people who are up 45 points, and have been in office for 30 years, as much as we love them all!”
open image in gallery
open image in galleryAnnounced by Trump in June, the convention has drawn skepticism for weeks. Last month, a GOP operative told Puck News the event risked becoming a “s*** show,” with ticket costs emerging as a major flashpoint.
The National Republican Campaign Committee is asking House members to pay $25,000 for themselves and a plus-one, according to three sources, with top-tier asks reaching $100,000.
Some strategists also warned that Trump — whose approval ratings remain at historic lows in recent polls — could be a liability for Republicans in swing districts.
“Nobody understands why we’re doing a midterm convention,” one campaign strategist said. “It’s just another show that Trump is going to put on to remind the voters that he is sitting there, and maybe they don’t want to be reminded of that.”
Organizers, who plan to spotlight Trump’s immigration policies and tax cuts, say the event will help energize GOP voters.
“Republicans are highlighting what’s on the line this November: common sense versus craziness, real relief versus higher taxes,” RNC spokeswoman Natalie Baldassarre said in a statement provided to The Independent. “No one drives out voters better than President Trump, as evidenced by over 20,000 tickets already given out. The arena is full, the energy is high, and people are rocking.”