Trump pledges $5,000 to every American - and other takeaways from Republican midterms convention

President Donald Trump pledged $5,000 to every American citizen, a move aimed at boosting voter turnout and avoiding losing control of Congress in the November elections. The Republican Party's first midterms convention, held in Dallas, was a rally for supporters seeking to increase turnout and maintain party control. The event lacked official party business, with no candidates discussing legislative priorities or party strategy. Instead, Trump delivered a lengthy keynote speech, covering familiar topics with some unexpected twists. The crowd, dominated by diehard Trump supporters, raised questions about the party's shift towards the president's base. Trump's grip on the party has raised concerns about its future, particularly with his impending departure from the ticket. The convention's effectiveness was called into question, as moderates and swing voters were largely absent. Trump offered a solution to the latter problem, urging supporters to pretend he was on the ballot in November. This approach acknowledges Trump's influence on turnout but also highlights the party's challenge in finding a successor. Convention attendees discussed potential successors, including Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in interviews with the BBC. The party's future remains uncertain, with November's elections and the 2028 presidential contest looming large.