The Republican National Committee's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas was designed to rally GOP voters ahead of the November elections and highlight President Donald Trump's political agenda. However, images and videos from inside the American Airlines Center showed noticeable empty seats before Trump delivered his first speech at the two-day gathering.&nbsp;The convention is taking place as Trump faces weak polling numbers among Americans concerned about the economy, the war in Iran and his administration's approach to immigration. With the midterm elections expected to serve as a referendum on the current administration, Republicans are increasingly focused on the possibility of losing control of the House and Senate. Such a result could make the final two years of Trump's presidency significantly more difficult. Photos and video footage from the arena showed large sections of the upper deck with relatively few spectators at different points during the convention's opening day.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-speaks-live-but-viewers-stay-away-only-a-few-thousand-tune-in-to-president-s-speech-at-rnc-1789007861719">Trump speaks live, but viewers stay away: Only a few thousand tune in to president's speech at RNC</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Thousands of seats are left unfilled as the Republican midterm convention begins <a href="https://t.co/tpIktGt26O">pic.twitter.com/tpIktGt26O</a>&mdash; FactPost (@factpostnews) <a href="https://x.com/factpostnews/status/2097789311349317717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>RNC convention attendance</h2>The RNC said the American Airlines Center can accommodate 21,000 people and that 20,000 attendees were expected at the convention. That figure suggested the arena should have been nearly full if the expected crowd attended the first day. Trump had also described the event as "sold out" ahead of the convention. "Everybody wants to come to the convention," Trump said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">With President Trump expected to speak at the Republican midterm convention in less than an hour, many seats remain empty in the upper level of the arena. <a href="https://t.co/8eKhPoQMGL">pic.twitter.com/8eKhPoQMGL</a>&mdash; Joey Garrison (@joeygarrison) <a href="https://x.com/joeygarrison/status/2097844028993671482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What did John Fetterman say at the RNC midterm convention?</h2>One of the convention's most unexpected moments came from Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman. Fetterman appeared in a prerecorded video message shown to attendees before Republican Senator Dave McCormick took the stage. In the message, Fetterman identified himself as a "common-sense Democrat" and praised McCormick for his work on behalf of Pennsylvania. His appearance was unusual because it marked a rare occasion in which a Democratic senator participated in programming at a major Republican Party event.&nbsp;"Why am I here talking to you today? Because, well, I'm a common-sense Democrat," Fetterman said in the video. He also said he would "always stand with America" and would "always reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life."<h2>Don't anybody go to bathroom: Trump</h2>Trump also took aim at the news organizations covering the convention, joking that they could focus on an empty seat left behind by someone who had briefly gone to the bathroom and portray it as evidence that the president was unable to fill the arena. "So please if you don't mind, don't anybody go to the bathroom," Trump said. Trump's remarks reflect his long-running criticism of media coverage of the size of his political crowds. He has repeatedly accused news organisations of portraying his events as less well attended than he believes they were.

RNC midterm convention in Dallas draws attention over sparse seats, Trump's agenda, GOP election concerns and John Fetterman's surprise appearance

The Republican National Committee's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas was designed to rally GOP voters ahead of the November elections and highlight President Donald Trump's political agenda. However, images and videos from inside the American Airlines Center showed noticeable empty seats before Trump delivered his first speech at the two-day gathering. The convention is taking place as Trump faces weak polling numbers among Americans concerned about the economy, the war in Iran and his administration's approach to immigration. With the midterm elections expected to serve as a referendum on the current administration, Republicans are increasingly focused on the possibility of losing control of the House and Senate. Such a result could make the final two years of Trump's presidency significantly more difficult. Photos and video footage from the arena showed large sections of the upper deck with relatively few spectators at different points during the convention's opening day. Also Read: Trump speaks live, but viewers stay away: Only a few thousand tune in to president's speech at RNC

RNC's Dallas midterm convention faces scrutiny over sparse seats as Trump rallies Republicans, while Democrat John Fetterman delivers a surprise message

Empty seats at RNC midterm convention? Here's what photos and videos reveal vs Trump's claim

About 30 minutes into Donald Trump’s speech at the Republican Midterm Convention, the online audience for his speech remained relatively modest compared with the large digital crowds his 2024 campaign rallies often attracted. Around 3,500 viewers were watching the president’s speech live on the Republican National Committee’s YouTube page, while roughly 2,600 were tuned in through the midterm convention’s official channel. Fox News’ YouTube channel had about 6,300 viewers. The figures stand in contrast to Trump’s 2024 campaign rallies, which frequently drew tens of thousands of concurrent viewers across some livestreams.<h2>Which news network aired Trump's entire speech?</h2>Among the major television news networks, Fox News was the only one airing Trump’s address to Republicans in full. The broadcast networks stayed with their regular programming, including NFL Football on NBC. CNN aired roughly 15 minutes of Trump’s remarks before switching to a panel discussion. The network’s reporters continued providing commentary on the speech through text annotations on the screen.&nbsp;Meanwhile, much of the Parma Republican Party had already departed its evening meeting by the time Trump took the stage late Wednesday at a watch party outside Cleveland. About 10 Republicans remained at the gathering, cheering Trump’s comments on the border and laughing at his jokes. The only boos came when Trump mentioned Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Kevin Kussmaul, a local City Councilor who attended the event, said the convention could ultimately have less influence on November’s elections than economic concerns facing voters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-at-republican-midterm-convention-obama-attack-iran-threats-and-promise-of-lower-oil-prices-1789005116240">Trump at Republican midterm convention: Obama attack, Iran threats and promise of lower oil prices</a><h2>Trump's explosive claim</h2>“I think the real thing that’ll move the needle is going to be the economics,” Kussmaul said. “Gas prices, grocery prices.” During his remarks, Trump also claimed that ‘we won the presidency three times’, referring to the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections. However, Trump did not win the presidency in 2020. Democrat Joe Biden won 306 electoral votes, compared with Trump’s 232.&nbsp;Trump also pointed to the historical tendency for the president’s party to lose congressional seats during midterm elections. That pattern affected Trump during his first term, when Democrats gained dozens of House seats and took control of the chamber. “We’re going to change that,” he said. The speech comes as Republicans prepare for the midterm elections, with Trump seeking to maintain his political influence and prevent the historical midterm losses that have often challenged presidents and their parties.

Trump’s Republican speech draws modest online viewership as he addresses the border, economy, midterms, 2020 election claim and GOP strategy

About 30 minutes into Donald Trump’s speech at the Republican Midterm Convention, the online audience for his speech remained relatively modest compared with the large digital crowds his 2024 campaign rallies often attracted. Around 3,500 viewers were watching the president’s speech live on the Republican National Committee’s YouTube page, while roughly 2,600 were tuned in through the midterm convention’s official channel. Fox News’ YouTube channel had about 6,300 viewers. The figures stand in contrast to Trump’s 2024 campaign rallies, which frequently drew tens of thousands of concurrent viewers across some livestreams. Which news network aired Trump's entire speech? Among the major television news networks, Fox News was the only one airing Trump’s address to Republicans in full. The broadcast networks stayed with their regular programming, including NFL Football on NBC. CNN aired roughly 15 minutes of Trump’s remarks before switching to a panel discussion. The network’s reporters continued providing commentary on the speech through text annotations on the screen. Meanwhile, much of the Parma Republican Party had already departed its evening meeting by the time Trump took the stage late Wednesday at a watch party outside Cleveland. About 10 Republicans remained at the gathering, cheering Trump’s comments on the border and laughing at his jokes. The only boos came when Trump mentioned Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Kevin Kussmaul, a local City Councilor who attended the event, said the convention could ultimately have less influence on November’s elections than economic concerns facing voters. Also Read: Trump at Republican midterm convention: Obama attack, Iran threats and promise of lower oil prices Trump's explosive claim “I think the real thing that’ll move the needle is going to be the economics,” Kussmaul said. “Gas prices, grocery prices.” During his remarks, Trump also claimed that ‘we won the presidency three times’, referring to the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections. However, Trump did not win the presidency in 2020. Democrat Joe Biden won 306 electoral votes, compared with Trump’s 232. Trump also pointed to the historical tendency for the president’s party to lose congressional seats during midterm elections. That pattern affected Trump during his first term, when Democrats gained dozens of House seats and took control of the chamber. “We’re going to change that,” he said. The speech comes as Republicans prepare for the midterm elections, with Trump seeking to maintain his political influence and prevent the historical midterm losses that have often challenged presidents and their parties.

Trump’s speech drew modest online viewership as Republicans focused on the midterms, with Trump highlighting the border, economy and GOP election strategy

Trump speaks live, but viewers stay away: Only a few thousand tune in to president's speech at RNC

US President Donald Trump, while addressing the first Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, has promised to pay every American $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate after November’s midterm elections. He made the big announcement while urging voters remain united and support Republican candidates on Nov 3. He also urged voters to let him and Republican lawmakers to “finish the job” to restore America's respect in the world that was worsened under President Joe Biden’s administration. He offered freebie and claimed that Democrats cannot do it because they don't charge tariffs and they only "know about poverty."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-war-will-end-immediately-after-us-midterms-claims-tehran-trying-to-sway-us-vote-1788984074868">Trump says Iran war will end immediately after US midterms</a>&nbsp;"If the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, both of them, because of our economic, tremendous economic success like in history, we've never had anything like what's happening. But because of our tremendous strength and success economically, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000,” the president said during the GOP midterm convention. “Very much like a successful company will do a cash distribution to its shareholders.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-prices-might-hit-100-and-it-could-be-bad-news-for-trump-ahead-of-midterms-1788938670443">US oil prices at $100 could be bad news for Trump ahead of midterm elections</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: &quot;Only I can make this promise to you: If the Republicans win the House and Senate, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OOYAwaQ6HO">pic.twitter.com/OOYAwaQ6HO</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://x.com/atrupar/status/2097871479815667867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The president also proposed that the dividend must be called “Trump Dividend.” However, he also gave a caveat. He said: “The only caveat I have is that the dividend that we're making must be spent in the United States of America. We don't want you going to Canada to spend the money.”&nbsp;<h2>How did the idea originate?</h2>According to reports, about 240 million adults live in the United States, and if the president goes ahead with his plan, the payment would cost the government roughly $1.2 trillion. The federal government’s annual budget is around $7 trillion. The idea was first floated by Trump in July 2025. The specific $5,000 figure came from James Fishbach, an outside adviser to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In February 2025, Fishbach proposed a “DOGE Dividend” that would return 20 per cent of the federal budget savings targeted by DOGE directly to American households. However, the idea of using federal tariff revenue to fund direct payments was formally proposed by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) through the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025. The bill sought to redistribute revenue from the administration’s new import tariffs to working-class families. Trump later embraced the concept, promoting a $2,000 “tariff dividend” for Americans.

Trump has promised a $5,000 dividend for every adult American if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate after the November midterms, linking the payout to what he called the country’s unprecedented economic success.

US President Donald Trump, while addressing the first Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, has promised to pay every American $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate after November’s midterm elections. He made the big announcement while urging voters remain united and support Republican candidates on Nov 3. He also urged voters to let him and Republican lawmakers to “finish the job” to restore America's respect in the world that was worsened under President Joe Biden’s administration. He offered freebie and claimed that Democrats cannot do it because they don't charge tariffs and they only "know about poverty." Also Read: Trump says Iran war will end immediately after US midterms "If the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, both of them, because of our economic, tremendous economic success like in history, we've never had anything like what's happening. But because of our tremendous strength and success economically, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000,” the president said during the GOP midterm convention. “Very much like a successful company will do a cash distribution to its shareholders.” Also Read: US oil prices at $100 could be bad news for Trump ahead of midterm elections

Trump has promised a $5,000 dividend for every adult American if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate after the November midterms, linking the payout to what he called the country’s unprecedented economic success.

'Trump Dividend': US president promises $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans win midterms

During the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday (September 9), US President Donald Trump blamed his predecessors for what he described as ‘trillions of dollars in waste and green energy scams’, arguing that it was them that caused the affordability, to use their word, crisis'. "I'm bringing the prices way down, way, way down," the president said. Trump also claimed that the price of food and almost every other item are rapidly going down, while saying oil prices would also fall when ‘we win the war with Iran’.&nbsp;Oil prices climbed to $100 a barrel earlier on Wednesday amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The increase came after the US and Iran attacked tankers in the region, while Yemen's Houthis targeted oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Turning to the Iran conflict, which has intensified again in recent days, President Donald Trump referred to Tehran as the ‘bullies’ of the Middle East. Trump also again floated the idea of renaming the Strait of Hormuz, located off Iran's coast, as the ‘Trump Strait’. The president has recently renamed Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ in the US, as tensions with Canada continue to rise amid an escalating trade war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-war-will-end-immediately-after-us-midterms-claims-tehran-trying-to-sway-us-vote-1788984074868">Trump says Iran war will end immediately after US midterms, claims Tehran trying to sway vote</a>&nbsp;Trump also said, “Barack Hussein Obama made the worst deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). I cancelled the JCPOA and hit them with our B2 bombers. If I did not do that they would have had nuclear weapons and I would be calling them Mr. Supreme leader. Iran is considered the most evil country and state sponsor of terrorism all across the world. We hit them. If we didn’t hit them, they would have nuclear weapons within a month.”

Trump blames predecessors for the US affordability crisis, claims prices are falling, and discusses oil, Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and Canada

During the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday (September 9), US President Donald Trump blamed his predecessors for what he described as ‘trillions of dollars in waste and green energy scams’, arguing that it was them that caused the affordability, to use their word, crisis'. "I'm bringing the prices way down, way, way down," the president said. Trump also claimed that the price of food and almost every other item are rapidly going down, while saying oil prices would also fall when ‘we win the war with Iran’. Oil prices climbed to $100 a barrel earlier on Wednesday amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The increase came after the US and Iran attacked tankers in the region, while Yemen's Houthis targeted oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Turning to the Iran conflict, which has intensified again in recent days, President Donald Trump referred to Tehran as the ‘bullies’ of the Middle East. Trump also again floated the idea of renaming the Strait of Hormuz, located off Iran's coast, as the ‘Trump Strait’. The president has recently renamed Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ in the US, as tensions with Canada continue to rise amid an escalating trade war. Also Read: Trump says Iran war will end immediately after US midterms, claims Tehran trying to sway vote Trump also said, “Barack Hussein Obama made the worst deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). I cancelled the JCPOA and hit them with our B2 bombers. If I did not do that they would have had nuclear weapons and I would be calling them Mr. Supreme leader. Iran is considered the most evil country and state sponsor of terrorism all across the world. We hit them. If we didn’t hit them, they would have nuclear weapons within a month.”

US President Donald Trump blamed his predecessors for the affordability crisis, touts falling prices and links lower oil costs to the Iran conflict

Trump at Republican midterm convention: Obama attack, Iran threats and promise of lower oil prices

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Empty seats at RNC midterm convention? Here's what photos and videos reveal vs Trump's claim

Trump speaks live at RNC, but viewers stay away as only a few thousand tuned in

Trump promises $5,000 dividend for every American if Republicans win midterms

Donald Trump at RNC: Obama attack, Iran threats and promise of lower oil prices