January 23, 2026
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House Passes 'AI for Main Street' Bill as Trump and RNC Advance First-Ever 2026 Midterm Convention Plan

The House passed the "AI for Main Street" bill. Meanwhile the RNC approved a rules change allowing Chair Joe Gruters to convene a midterm-year convention — promoted by Trump as a "Trump‑a‑palooza" to highlight his record, with dates and location to be announced and drawing criticism from DNC Chair Ken Martin.

Donald Trump 2026 Midterm Elections Republican Party Strategy Republican Party Internal Strategy

📌 Key Facts

  • The full Republican National Committee membership approved a rules change allowing RNC Chair Joe Gruters to convene a convention in a midterm election year.
  • Gruters has branded the prospective gathering a "Trump-a-palooza," saying it would highlight "all the incredible things that this president has done."
  • A memo to RNC members describes the plan as an "America First midterm convention-style gathering aligned with President Trump’s vision."
  • Details on the event’s date and location will likely be announced later by Trump and may be tied to the RNC’s summer meeting.
  • The announcement drew a partisan rebuttal from DNC Chair Ken Martin, who pointed to Trump’s low approval and argued he has "made life unaffordable," signaling likely Democratic campaign lines against the event.

📰 Source Timeline (2)

Follow how coverage of this story developed over time

January 23, 2026
9:16 PM
Trump pushes ‘Trump-a-palooza’ midterm convention as GOP braces for tough elections
Fox News
New information:
  • Confirms the full Republican National Committee membership has now approved a rules change allowing Chair Joe Gruters to convene a convention in a midterm election year.
  • Quotes Gruters calling the prospective gathering a 'Trump-a-palooza' and saying it would highlight 'all the incredible things that this president has done.'
  • Notes that a memo to members describes the idea as an 'America First midterm convention-style gathering aligned with President Trump’s vision,' and that details on date and location will likely be announced later by Trump, possibly tied to the RNC’s summer meeting.
  • Includes a partisan rebuttal from DNC Chair Ken Martin pointing to Trump’s low approval and arguing he has 'made life unaffordable,' underscoring expected campaign lines around the event.