Trump expands role at GOP midterm convention amid widespread Republican boycotts

Donald Trump, now 80, will headline both evenings of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas after a sizable number of GOP officials declared they would not attend. The event, intended to energize the MAGA base and boost the party’s midterm prospects, was expected to feature Trump only on the second night. Lawmakers cited reasons ranging from district campaigning and prior commitments to the $25,000 ticket price and concerns over low viewership competing with NFL primetime games.

Party insiders say the schedule was altered to give Trump a chance to set the convention’s tone, while critics warn his lengthy speeches could further damage GOP candidates by focusing on fringe topics.