President Trump to Deliver Keynote at RNC Midterm Convention

President Trump will deliver a keynote speech on Wednesday during the opening night of the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention in Dallas. This event serves as a mid-cycle gathering for party leaders and delegates. It’s intended to energize the party’s base ahead of the upcoming November elections.

Vice President JD Vance, a potential successor to President Trump, will headline the second evening. Other potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race are also scheduled to speak. Officials from the RNC have announced a diverse lineup of speakers, including key Cabinet secretaries, top Republican congressional leaders, and lawmakers with strong ties to the president. The specific schedule for the speakers is yet to be disclosed, and more names could be added.

Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, now an adviser to the president, Donald Trump Jr., Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are among those confirmed to speak. Notably absent from the roster are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. President Trump has previously mentioned Rubio as a potential running mate for Vance, while there have been speculations about Hegseth’s interest in a future presidential bid, which his aides deny.

From Capitol Hill, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, the second-ranking Senate Republican, are expected to appear. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who has had disagreements with Trump recently, will be at the convention for fundraisers, but isn’t on the speaking list. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who anticipates competition in the 2028 presidential race, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, currently behind his opponent James Talarico in polls, are also slated to speak.

Last Saturday, Trump made a significant backing by contributing $10 million from his MAGA Inc. super PAC to support Paxton’s campaign. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is narrowly leading over his Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa according to recent polls, is also scheduled as a speaker.