Trump battles low approval ratings in lead-up to Republican midterms conventionBy Brad Ryan in Dallas
Posted Wed 9 Sep 2026 at 4:08pmWed 9 Sep 2026 at 4:08pmWed 9 Sep 2026 at 4:08pm
In short:
Republicans are set to stage a rare midterm elections convention this week.
US President Donald Trump will make speeches on both nights.
The party hopes his low approval rating does not translate into sufficient voter backlash to give Democrats control of Congress after the November elections.
Donald Trump’s approval rating has continued to plumb historic lows ahead of the Republican Party’s national convention this week — but the US president still believes his brand can boost close-race candidates who will be “showcased” on stage.
The convention has been dubbed “Trump-a-palooza” because of the president’s expected dominating presence at the event in Dallas, Texas.
He was initially slated to speak on the final night of the two-day convention, but he later decided to speak on the opening night as well.
“The Music, Excitement, and Importance of this Evening will be at levels never seen at a Convention or Political Event,” Mr Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
But as recently as last week, party supporters were receiving text messages offering free tickets to the event, raising questions about whether it will attract the sizeable crowds the party is hoping for.
And dozens of the party’s representatives and key candidates are missing the convention, an event usually only held in a presidential election year.
Earlier this month, Politico reported that 45 out of more than 70 surveyed Republican politicians and candidates confirmed they would not attend or were undecided.
Some cited scheduling conflicts, but others complained about the donations of more than $US25,000 ($34,720) that had been requested in exchange for tickets and access to exclusive side events.
First Lady Melania Trump also will not attend, the White House has confirmed.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said more than 20,000 tickets had been given out and voters were “asking for more”.
“No one drives out voters better than President Trump,” she told the ABC on the eve of the convention.
“The place will be full, the energy will be high, and people will be rocking.”
Trump competes with NFL’s Melbourne clash
More than 100 speakers will take to the stage, but it is unclear how much airtime they will receive.
Fox News says it will cover the convention closely, but other mainstream US broadcasters have been less committal.
The event also clashes with the NFL season’s opening two matches, including the league’s first-ever regular season match to be played in Australia.
It will take place in Melbourne on Friday morning (AEST), competing for American TV viewers with Mr Trump’s remarks on Thursday evening (US time).
The purpose of the convention is to motivate the party’s base ahead of the November midterm elections, when Americans will vote for all members of the House of Representatives and a third of the Senate.
Democrats need a net gain of three seats in the House, and four seats in the Senate, to seize majorities in both chambers of Congress from Republicans.
The midterms traditionally inspire lower voter turnout than presidential elections, and they generally favour the party that opposes the president.
Mr Trump’s average approval rating, as measured by dozens of polls, is sitting around 38 per cent, according to a New York Times tracker.
His disapproval rating is at 58 per cent.
That gives him a net approval score well below the ratings given to Joe Biden, Barack Obama and George Bush at the same time in their presidency.
It is also below Mr Trump’s net rating at the same time in his first term.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found cost of living was the single most important factor for 47 per cent of surveyed midterm voters.
Some 71 per cent of respondents disapproved of Mr Trump’s handling of the issue.
Speakers at the convention are expected to address policy issues ranging from tax cuts to border control, and “each hour will have its own theme”, the RNC said.
Speakers are expected to push the party’s key midterms message: that Democrats represent a dangerous combination of “crazy” and “communist”.
“Republicans will highlight what’s on the line this election; common sense versus craziness, real relief versus higher taxes,” Ms Baldassarre said.
Convention attendees will be able to get a photo with Mr Trump for a fee of $US88,600 ($123,062), according to the Wall Street Journal, which obtained an invitation sent to some Republicans.
Attending a round table with Mr Trump will cost $US250,000 ($347,239).
Also speaking at the convention will be Vice-President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney-General Todd Blanche, former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Mr Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.