Trump and Vance Close GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas

Republicans closed the first-ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday night with a direct appeal to voters: go out and vote. Vice President JD Vance delivered the keynote address at the American Airlines Center, followed by closing remarks from President Donald Trump, as the party works to protect its narrow House and Senate majorities in November. Thursday also marked the one-year anniversary of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and the convention paid tribute to him throughout the evening. An empty chair was left for Kirk, and Vance, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Pastor Lucas Miles of Turning Point USA Faith all honored his memory. Kennedy, who ran against Trump in 2024 before joining his coalition, credited Kirk with bridging the divide between the two men. Vance used his roughly 40-minute speech to contrast the Trump administration's record with the prior Democratic administration and to attack Democratic candidates.