President Trump has promised every adult American a payment of 5000 dollars if the Republicans retain the majority in Congress. He made this remarkable financial promise during the first-ever Republican midterm convention, in a year when midterm elections are held.
"If the Republicans win both the House and the Senate, I will pay every adult American 5000 dollars dividend because of our enormous economic successes," Trump told his audience. "If the Republicans win, you win too and you get 5000 dollars. Let's call it the Trump dividend."
Trump did not say where he wants to get the more than 1 trillion euros needed for his promise. It is also unclear whether such a payment is legally allowed. Commentators call it a questionable plan or outright bribery.
Trumpapalooza
The gathering where Trump made his promise was held at his own request, to generate enthusiasm for this year's elections. In November, Americans choose a new House of Representatives and part of the Senate. Although they do not choose a new president, that did not stop Trump from putting himself and his policies at the center. "Just pretend I'm on the ballot."
It was not yet very crowded in the American Airlines Center, the stadium that holds about 20,000 people, when the opening program started. Normally, a convention chooses a presidential candidate and votes on the party course. But this convention is anything but conventional and there are no official party matters to discuss. American media therefore call it 'Trumpapalooza': a convention entirely focused on Trump.
First, a series of unknown Republicans who will be on the ballot in November may introduce themselves. This is what it is really about. If these Republicans lose their races, Donald Trump's party risks losing the majority in one or both chambers of Congress and he may find it harder to carry out his political agenda.
But in Dallas, the main business has become a side issue. The primetime speaking slots are reserved for President Trump, who will address the hall on both evenings. That he has to compete for two days with the opening games of the NFL season points to a lack of preparation.
Still, Republican David Stein from Texas calls the timing perfect. "This is the moment when President Trump must mobilize voters and get them excited to vote. And he can do that like no one else."
Low approval ratings
Putting Trump so much in the spotlight does bring risks for the party. According to polls, many Americans are not enthusiastic about the direction the country is heading. The Iran war continues and prices at the pump and in the supermarket keep rising.
Given the historically low approval ratings of the president, he is mainly blamed for this. In a recent Financial Times poll, only 33 percent of voters think he is doing well as president.
There is therefore a chance that he will drag the party down with him. But in Dallas, the glass is half full and a strong dose of ostrich politics is practiced.
Wake up call
According to Rochelle Brooks, who says she paid between 5000 and 20,000 dollars to be here, it is not the policy of President Trump that is the problem, but the fact that Republicans are so bad at conveying their message. "Democrats are often better at soundbites, which you then hear everywhere on TV. Our president can do that unfiltered."
Brooks sees the gathering as a home game: "This convention is mainly intended to wake up the base and raise a lot of money."
For donors, there is indeed a hefty price tag attached to the convention. According to The Wall Street Journal, the party offers a roundtable discussion with the president for 250,000 dollars. If you just want a photo with him, that costs 88,000 dollars. Those who want a photo with Vice President JD Vance pay much less: 35,000 dollars.
Referendum
Dozens of Republicans from vulnerable districts did not travel to Texas. Senator Susan Collins from Maine and Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska, for example, want to be associated with Trump as little as possible and have declined the invitation. They fear they will be the victims of a referendum on Trump.
Remarkably, Democratic Senator John Fetterman did make his voice heard. Via a video message, he gave Donald Trump a boost by saying he would like to work with the president and his Republican colleagues.
A surprising boost for Trump, who said he will campaign in all swing states in the coming weeks, the states that sometimes vote Republican and sometimes Democratic. "We can win all those elections. I am going to all those states and if necessary I will even come back a few times."