During his keynote address in Dallas, Donald Trump asserted that the gathering marked the “first-ever midterm convention of any party.”
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump sparked significant debate during the Republican midterm convention in Dallas by declaring that the event was the “first-ever midterm convention of any party.”
Because major political organizations have historically hosted gatherings between presidential election cycles, Trump’s assertion immediately drew scrutiny.
With the 2026 midterms looming, his statement has left many wondering about the accuracy of this historical first. So, is there any truth to Trump’s claim?
Claim: Trump asserts Dallas gathering is ‘first ever midterm convention of any party’
Texas Dem Party Chair on Republicans’ midterm convention in Dallas:
Why Dallas? Dallas has a world-class memory care clinic specializing in dementia, so it gives easier access and opportunities for Trump, who clearly has ailing health. pic.twitter.com/M9Fbqc9d9U
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) September 9, 2026
The Republican Party kicked off its multi-day midterm convention—informally dubbed “Trump-a-palooza”—in Dallas on Wednesday, September 9, with Trump delivering the headlining remarks.
It was during this speech that he advanced the claim regarding midterm convention history. Meanwhile, some GOP candidates in tight races opted to skip the event entirely. Ahead of Trump’s appearance, a video featuring Sen. John Fetterman was shown to introduce Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA).
On the other side of the aisle, Democratic Gov. Dan McKee faced a fierce primary challenge from former CVS executive Helena Foulkes. A defeat for McKee would mark the first time a sitting U.S. governor lost a primary race in eight years.
Fact Check: False; Democrats organized midterm conventions in the past
Trump’s statement is factually incorrect. While he insisted in Dallas that the event was the “first-ever midterm convention of any party,” the Democratic Party actually hosted similar midterm conventions decades ago.
The Democrats held a midterm conference in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1974, followed by another in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1978—an event where then-President Jimmy Carter notably spoke.
During his Dallas speech, Trump also reiterated his familiar claim that he has successfully run for president three times. “When I’m on the ticket, Republicans always do very well,” he told the audience. “We won the presidency three times.” Official electoral records, however, confirm that Trump won the White House in 2016 and 2024, while Joe Biden secured the presidency in 2020.
Additionally, Trump claimed that foreign countries and companies have poured over $20 trillion into the US in less than two years.
Verification efforts revealed this statistic to be exaggerated. Official figures on the White House website place domestic and foreign investments at $11.2 trillion—roughly half of Trump’s stated figure. Furthermore, that official tally incorporates aspirational multi-year projections as well as projected future sales and purchases, rather than strictly direct capital investments.