Trump announces rare Republican convention ahead of midterms

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a rare Republican convention halfway through his second term as he seeks to boost the party ahead of November’s midterm elections.

The two main US political parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, normally only hold conventions ahead of four-yearly presidential elections, which are next due in 2028.

But Trump said Republicans would now also stage a convention in Dallas in September – two months ahead of the vote in which many Republicans fear they could lose control of Congress.

“It will be fantastic! It has never been done before and will be a truly Historic Event,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

“Dallas will take center stage on September 9th and 10th as we celebrate our Nation, our achievements, and our bright future.”

Trump appears increasingly focused on the midterms, amid fears that his low approval ratings over the Iran war and the cost of living will dent the Republican Party’s showing.

The 80-year-old has warned that Democrats could impeach him for a third time if they seize control of Congress and has diverted key staff from the White House to manage the Republican operation.

Earlier Tuesday, the US Supreme Court lifted restrictions on the amount of money political parties can spend in coordination with individual candidates, in a case that could benefit Republicans in the midterms.