First-ever GOP Midterm Convention convenes in Texas
DALLAS (NBC, KYMA) - The first-ever Republican Midterm Convention convened in Texas Wednesday, with President Donald Trump serving as the keynote speaker.
It comes as Americans are facing higher prices from gas to groceries, with a trade war with Canada, and a prolonged war in Iran threatening to keep costs elevated.
Final preparations in Dallas were underway for a first-of-its-kind Republican Midterm Convention, aiming to drum up enthusiasm before the critical elections that determine which party controls Congress.
President Trump will headline as GOP lawmakers look to tout wins, but many facing reelection fights are choosing to skip the event.
"We've accomplished monumental things, and that's why I'm going," said Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI).
"I have to be campaigning. No one votes for me in Washington or in Dallas," said Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL).
Polls show voters increasingly frustrated by the cost of living, with prices at risk of rising more, amid the escalating trade war with Canada.
Trump is now moving to outright ban Canadian imports of some motorcycles, dairy products and alcohol later this month after Canada slapped counter-tariffs on American goods to match levies the Trump Administration launched first after trade talks collapsed.
"Our tariffs are necessary to protect our workers, protect our companies, and our communities," said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Adding to price pressures, U.S. oil prices are pushing higher following new strikes between the U.S. and Iran.
U.S. Central Command said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in response to attempted attacks on an American warship.
Iran then fired against U.S. forces in Jordan, though a U.S. official says the missiles were blocked.
Frustrations over the lingering war are feeding into Trump's approval rating at 36% nationally in a new NBC News poll.
"He is laser focused on bringing down the cost of living. All Republicans are," said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
This all comes as Republicans look to make their case.
The midterm convention was the president's idea to replicate the fanfare we typically see every four years.
With midterm elections historically tough for the party in power, the president has been pushing for turnout, telling supporters to pretend he's on the ballot.
