# Trump rhetoric and political pressures at GOP midterm > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/donald-trump-rhetoric-at-republican-midterm-convention > Updated: 2026-09-14T19:37:55.000Z. Sources: 111. Developments: 3. During a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Donald Trump engaged in several controversial rhetorical displays. He led supporters in a voting pledge that included references to voter fraud, stating, “I don’t care if I’m registered or not, I’m going to try and cheat like hell, like they do.” Trump also demanded a loyalty oath from attendees and utilized religious rhetoric, warning that those who do not vote in the November 3 election “will go to hell.” At the “Trumpapalooza” event, Trump encouraged his audience to repeat a pledge of allegiance to himself, whom he called the “greatest president in the history of the United States.” He also proposed a $5,000 “dividend” payment to the public if Republicans maintain their congressional majorities in the upcoming midterm elections. Regarding international conflicts, Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement to cease mutual attacks on energy infrastructure to help lower global diesel prices, attributing rising global diesel costs to the conflict rather than Middle East tensions. President Zelenskyy responded that Ukraine is prepared to support de-escalation, provided the United States can secure reliable, long-term guarantees that Russia will also halt strikes on critical energy and food supply infrastructure. Zelenskyy noted that while strikes on Russia’s war economy exert pressure, there is no evidence of a genuine Russian desire to end the conflict. While the Kremlin has welcomed calls for Ukraine to stop targeting Russian economic infrastructure, Russia has not officially confirmed the existence of a bilateral agreement. Despite these claims, active hostilities continue, including Ukrainian drone strikes against an oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region and Russian drone attacks on fuel and warehouse facilities in Kyiv. ## Claims - Donald Trump claimed that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to stop attacking each other's energy infrastructure. (disputed by 15 sources) - A Ukrainian official stated that Moscow has not agreed to any energy infrastructure truce despite Donald Trump's claims. (disputed by 3 sources) - President Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is willing to support a mutual halt to energy infrastructure strikes if the US can guarantee Russia's long-term commitment to ending the war. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The Russia-Ukraine war is the primary driver of rising global diesel prices rather than the conflict in Iran. (corroborated by 17 sources) - President Zelenskyy expressed doubt regarding Russia's willingness to honor the reported energy infrastructure agreement. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Any potential ceasefire must be reliable, long-term, and extend beyond Russia's upcoming elections. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The EPA has abolished greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas-fired power plants. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Donald Trump expressed a desire for the United States to maintain its lead in artificial intelligence development. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Donald Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine intend to stop attacks on energy infrastructure. (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Donald Trump encourages voters to “cheat like hell” at Dallas event At a Dallas event, Donald Trump encouraged Republican voters to “cheat like hell” and led a pledge of allegiance to himself as the “greatest president in the history of the United States.” 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-encourages-voters-to-cheat-like-hell-at-dallas-event ### 2026-09-13: Ukraine and Russia energy strike truce claimed by Donald Trump Donald Trump claims Ukraine and Russia agreed to stop energy infrastructure strikes, but President Zelenskyy demands US guarantees of Russia's long-term commitment to ending the war before de-escalating. 99 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-demands-loyalty-oath-from-supporters-at-republican-event ### 2026-09-12: Donald Trump urges supporters to 'cheat like hell' at Republican convention Donald Trump led supporters in a voting pledge at a Republican convention in Dallas, where he encouraged followers to “cheat like hell” regarding elections, echoing his claims of widespread voter fraud. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-urges-supporters-to-cheat-like-hell-at-republican-convention --- Cite as: Trump rhetoric and political pressures at GOP midterm. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/donald-trump-rhetoric-at-republican-midterm-convention