Trump to Speak Both Nights of GOP Convention, Clashing With NFL Kickoff
Part of composite article Trump’s Midterm Chaos: Party Insiders Skip Convention as His Own Moves Confuse Allies View full article →
US President Donald Trump will now address the Republican Party’s unusual midterm convention on both nights next week, a party official said Wednesday. The expanded role puts his speeches in direct competition with the start of the NFL season for viewers.
Trump had originally been scheduled to deliver a single closing address on Thursday, September 10, in Dallas. He will now also give the keynote speech on Wednesday, September 9. He will then speak again on Thursday evening, following US Vice-President J.D. Vance.
The convention, held in the middle of an election cycle, is seen as a effort to boost turnout among Republican voters. The party has not yet explained why the president’s role was doubled, but the move signals concern about enthusiasm ahead of the November midterms.
The NFL’s opening games typically draw large television audiences. The scheduling overlap means Republican leaders are asking viewers to choose between political rallies and football. No further details about the content of Trump’s speeches have been released.