The Republican National Committee (RNC) has revised its keynote speaker lineup for its inaugural midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, scheduled for September 9–10, with President Donald Trump now set to deliver addresses on both nights. The change follows an earlier announcement that Trump would speak only on the second night, with Vice President JD Vance headlining the first evening.
The convention, described by RNC Chairman Joe Gruters as a platform to showcase Republican policies and candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, will feature over 100 speakers across two days. The event is designed to highlight the party’s agenda, including issues such as education, parental rights, and economic policies.
Key speakers confirmed for the event include:
- Donald Trump Jr.
- Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for Senate
- Michigan Senate nominee Mike Rogers
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.)
The RNC’s programming will cover more than 100 items, including panels on Republican candidates in swing districts and discussions on key policy themes. The convention is being held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Scheduling adjustments and attendance concerns
The shift in Trump’s speaking schedule was announced after concerns arose about attendance and viewership, according to reporting. Trump had previously indicated he would attend both nights, but the initial schedule had Vance delivering the keynote on the first night and Trump closing the second evening. The RNC has not confirmed whether the change will affect other planned speeches or events.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), have cited scheduling conflicts and will not attend the convention. Tuberville’s absence was attributed to added campaign events, while Rounds is meeting with constituents that weekend. Additionally, some House members have opted not to participate due to reported minimum contribution expectations, with the highest tier listed at $100,000.
Event details and broader context
The RNC describes the convention as a historic gathering, marking the first time a major political party has held a midterm convention of this scale. The event is framed as a way to rally party faithful and energize voters ahead of the midterms, with a focus on Trump’s agenda and Republican legislative priorities.
RNC officials have stated that the convention will emphasize policy achievements and candidate messaging, with programming structured around themes such as education, parental rights, and economic growth. The event is expected to draw significant attention, given Trump’s central role in the Republican Party and his influence over the midterm elections.
Speaker lineup and notable absences
While the RNC has confirmed a broad slate of speakers, some high-profile figures are not listed, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rubio has been frequently mentioned by Trump as a potential running mate or future presidential nominee, while Hegseth has been reported as considering a White House bid in 2028. Their absence has raised questions about internal party dynamics.
Other notable attendees include Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who is invited to speak, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the second-ranking GOP senator in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who has publicly clashed with Trump in recent months, is not listed as a speaker but is expected to attend fundraisers during the event.
The convention’s schedule and speaker lineup remain subject to change as additional participants are confirmed.