President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance spoke Thursday at the Republican National Convention’s 2026 midterm convention, according to Breitbart News. The appearances came as the party ramps up its midterm messaging and rallies its base ahead of the fall elections.
The president’s remarks on Thursday followed a marathon speech the previous night, when he opened the convention with a major policy announcement: a plan to issue a $5,000 dividend to all Americans if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterms. The proposal, as described by Breitbart, would be contingent on the GOP holding its majorities in the House and Senate.
A Two-Day Run of Appearances
Earlier on Thursday, Trump also spoke to approve the construction of a monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients. That event, separate from the convention program, added to a busy schedule that has put the president and vice president at the center of the party’s midterm push.
The RNC midterm convention serves as a staging ground for the party’s closing arguments to voters. With control of Congress at stake, the gathering gives Republican leaders a chance to frame the election around their agenda and draw a contrast with Democrats.
Trump’s $5,000 dividend proposal, announced during his opening-night address, instantly became the headline of the convention’s first day. According to Breitbart, the payment would be available to all Americans only if Republicans keep their congressional majorities. The idea appears designed to give voters a tangible reason to back GOP candidates in November.
Vance’s Role on the Ticket
Vance’s appearance alongside the president on Thursday underscores his role as a top surrogate for the party’s midterm efforts. As vice president, Vance has been a frequent presence on the campaign trail and at party events, and his speech at the convention was part of a coordinated effort to energize Republican activists and donors.
The convention’s opening night, featuring Trump’s lengthy address, set the tone for the gathering. The president used the platform to tout his administration’s record and to preview the stakes of the midterms, with the dividend plan as the centerpiece of his pitch.
Thursday’s schedule gave convention attendees another opportunity to hear from both Trump and Vance, reinforcing the party’s focus on its top two officials as it seeks to protect its congressional majorities.
Midterm Stakes
With the midterm elections approaching, both parties are working to define the terms of the debate. Republicans are leaning on Trump’s popularity with the base and on economic proposals like the dividend, while Democrats are expected to challenge the feasibility and timing of such a plan.
The RNC midterm convention is one of several high-profile events on the Republican calendar this cycle. By bringing together the president, the vice president, and party activists, it offers a snapshot of the GOP’s messaging strategy as the campaign enters its final stretch.
Breitbart News noted that the convention took place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with the president’s marathon speech coming the night before. The outlet also reported that Trump spoke earlier Thursday to approve the Medal of Honor monument, a separate engagement from the convention program.
Neither the White House nor the RNC has released additional details about the dividend proposal beyond what the president outlined in his opening-night remarks, according to Breitbart. It remains unclear how the program would be funded or administered, though Trump tied it directly to Republican control of Congress.
The vice president’s remarks on Thursday were not detailed in the source material, but his presence at the convention signals the administration’s commitment to the midterm fight.
As the convention continues, Republicans will look to build momentum and translate the president’s proposals into a winning message for candidates across the country.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/09/10/watch-donald-trump-and-jd-vance-speak-at-rnc-midterm-convention/