Republicans hold inaugural midterm convention in Dallas

The Republican National Committee held its inaugural midterm convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on September 9-10. The event featured several prominent figures, including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. During his speech, Trump urged voters to secure Republican majorities in the House and Senate, promising to pay $5,000 per U.S. adult if the party maintains control.

In related political developments, President Trump is reportedly preparing to appoint Jay Clayton, the current Director of National Intelligence, as his principal advisor on artificial intelligence. This role, which the president has referred to as the ‘AI czar,’ would involve coordinating AI-related decisions across the administration. While a White House official stated that any personnel announcements would come directly from the president and that current reports are speculative, the move follows Trump’s previous intention to create a dedicated AI force.

The convention in Dallas also brought logistical and financial considerations to the city, which faced an estimated $2 million in security expenses while managing a $5.66 billion budget shortfall.