Trump's Republican Midterm Convention Faces Criticism Over Costs, Timing, and Competition with NFL

President Donald Trump’s upcoming Republican midterm convention has been described as a trainwreck by political insiders, with concerns ranging from the exorbitant ticket prices to poor optics, according to a new report.

The convention, the first of its kind, is set to be held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on September 9 and 10 — just months before the November midterm elections, which are historically viewed as a referendum on the president’s performance in office.

“We are going to celebrate the GREAT AMERICAN COMEBACK, and the incredible successes of the American People who transformed our Country through the America First Agenda,” the president wrote on Truth Social in June when announcing the event. “It will be a RALLY like none other!”

But the upcoming GOP extravaganza, hosted by the Republican National Committee, has been derided as a disaster by some Republican operatives, Puck News reported. One GOP strategist, putting it bluntly, described the event as a “s*** show.”

The ticket prices are one source of discontent. The National Republican Campaign Committee is asking House members to pay $25,000 for themselves and a plus one to attend, according to three sources who spoke to the outlet. The top price is even steeper, with some lawmakers being asked to contribute $100,000 — and few appear eager to attend.

Concerns have also been raised over the fact that corporate donors have been invited to sponsor the event, particularly because no official party business is scheduled to take place. “It’s yet another opportunity to shake down corporate America,” a GOP strategist told Puck News.

The event’s timing has also raised eyebrows, given it is scheduled for the day before the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Trump, whose approval rating remains at historic lows in recent polls, could also prove to be a liability for Republicans running in swing districts.

“Nobody understands why we’re doing a midterm convention,” a campaign strategist said. “It’s just another show that Trump is going to put on to remind the voters that he is sitting there, and maybe they don’t want to be reminded of that.”

On top of everything else, the event will compete with the opening game of the NFL regular season, when the Seattle Seahawks are scheduled to face the New England Patriots on September 9. The game is expected to draw a substantial television audience, potentially diverting viewers from the GOP event. NFL games are typically among the top-viewed programs in the U.S. every year and few programs top even regular season games.

On the second day of the convention, the San Francisco 49ers will play the Los Angeles Rams.

Still, organizers, who plan to highlight Trump’s immigration policies and tax cuts, hope the event will help energize GOP voters.

“President Trump turns out voters like no other candidate, and this convention will provide the momentum needed to expand our majorities in November,” RNC spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre told Reuters.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.