'Only chance MAGA has': Experts question wisdom behind Trump's midterm announcement
President Donald Trump stirred the GOP on Tuesday with a post on Truth Social announcing plans for a “Midterm Convention” ahead of the 2026 elections.
“The Republicans are going to do a Midterm Convention in order to show the great things we have done since the Presidential Election of 2024. Time and place to be determined. Stay tuned, it will be quite the Event, and very exciting! President DJT," Trump wrote.
He first floated the idea last month, arguing that the Republican momentum is strong.
READ MORE: Trump’s AG scrambles to do 'damage control' after conservatives rage against free speech threat
“The Republican Party is doing really well. Millions of people have joined us in our quest to MAKE AMERICA, GREAT AGAIN. We won every aspect of the Presidential Election and, based on the great success we are having, are poised to WIN BIG IN THE MIDTERMS," he said in a Truth Social post at the time.
Trump also praised Republicans' fundraising and his administration’s push to unwind policies put in place by the Biden administration.
“In that light, I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before. STAY TUNED!!!”
Trump’s statements come amid speculation that Democrats may be planning their own convention before the midterms. This would be an unconventional turn in U.S. electoral politics.
READ MORE: 'Incredible corruption': Blockbuster report on Trump's new racket leaves critics stunned
Meanwhile, the president's latest announcement led to strong reactions on social media.
Polling USA, an polling data account, wrote on the social platform X: "Can't wait for the 2026 GOP convention to be like 'Roving gangs of racial transgender narcogangs that are killing babies' against the backdrop of a massive recession."
Political science lecturer Damon Linker wrote: "Interesting way to try and generate GOP turnout equivalent to what we see in presidential years when Trump is running. That's probably the only conceivable way to keep Dems from gaining seats and taking the House in 2026 (short of cheating, of course)."
Reporter Ben Jacobs wrote: "Seems curious to do this when the 250th anniversary of the U.S. will already provide Trump with ample free air time that this might drown out."
Left-wing podcaster Tony Michaels wrote: "Trump announces a ‘Midterm Convention’ for Republicans on Truth Social Do you think it’s to stroke his ego or because he believes it’s the only chance MAGA has to win?"
