DALLAS
President Donald Trump addressed the Republican Party's first midterm convention Wednesday night, taking the stage to roaring applause and chants of "USA!" as the GOP sought to build momentum ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump proclaimed it the "first ever midterm convention of any party" and said he expects it to become an annual tradition. Vice President JD Vance and other prominent Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the two-day event.
During his keynote, Trump framed his economic policies around national strength, asserting the United States is "hot" again under his presidency. He pointed to corporate commitments to invest in U.S. operations, though critics noted these pledges are nonbinding with no guarantee companies will follow through or that investments will address voter concerns about affordability.
The evening's unexpected moment came when Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania appeared in a video to praise his Republican colleague Sen. Dave McCormick, drawing one of the convention's loudest ovations. Fetterman also condemned what he called the rise of far-left voices in his own party, saying he would work with Trump "to fight and defend the steel way of life right here in the steel valley."
Fetterman later released a statement reaffirming his commitment to the Democratic Party despite the appearance. He said he and McCormick, though on opposite sides, are both "Team PA."
The video prompted swift criticism from Pennsylvania Democrats. Fetterman, a first-term senator, has become increasingly contentious within his party. He notably skipped the Democratic convention in 2024. He is viewed as one of Trump's closest allies in the Democratic caucus.
