IMF ditched top candidate for chief economist job over Trump tariff remarks

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would provide every adult American with a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the November midterm elections. This bold promise was made during the Republican Party's inaugural midterm convention held in Dallas. The proposal, which has yet to be clarified in terms of implementation or legality, would cost approximately $1.35 trillion given the nation's adult population of about 270 million.

The ambitious undertaking came during a lengthy speech lasting an hour, where Trump highlighted his presidency's accomplishments, positioning himself at the center of the election despite recent public unpopularity.

However, it was uncertain whether Trump's campaign-style address would resonate with critical swing voters who have shifted away from his party, particularly in light of dissatisfaction with the cost of living and the ongoing Iran war. During his speech, Trump boasted about completing "the greatest two years in the history of the presidency," emphasizing the need for voters to choose Republicans to ensure a prosperous future.

The two-day convention, which ended on Thursday with Vice President JD Vance's keynote address, underscored the critical dependence of Republicans' prospects on Trump's ability to mobilize his base. The event, informally dubbed "Trumpapalooza," was highly centered on the president, prompting RNC Chairman Joe Gruters to nickname the convention. Trump pledged to make frequent appearances in battleground states and districts leading up to Election Day, stating he wanted voters to imagine him as a candidate on the ballot.

The convention posed a significant challenge for Republicans in competitive races, who may need to distance themselves from Trump to broaden their appeal without alienating his most dedicated supporters. Several Republicans, including Representatives Tom Barrett of Michigan, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, and Susan Collins of Maine, skipped the event.

However, others, such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Ohio Senator Jon Husted, made the journey to Dallas, including at least 16 candidates in tight House and Senate races, according to the RNC schedule.

Democrats portrayed themselves as "socialists and communists" during the convention, targeting them on issues like transgender women in sports and border security. The focus on these topics likely appealed to the party's base. Issues such as the Iran war and the cost of living received less attention, leaving voters with less clarity on how the administration plans to address these concerns.

Some attendees, like Alabama state Representative Ernie Yarbrough, urged Trump to provide a clearer understanding of the Iran conflict's duration and objectives, warning that the conflict had not ended six months after initial US and Israeli strikes. Trump defended his actions, claiming he aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and promised that oil prices would decrease following a successful war.

However, Iran's nuclear program remains largely unchanged, and analysts argue that a resolution is yet to be reached.

The stakes were high for both parties during the convention, as Republicans faced the possibility of losing control of at least one legislative chamber in the upcoming midterms. Polls indicated that Democrats were more motivated to vote, while Trump's approval ratings were at an all-time low. The convention served as a platform for Republicans to promote their candidates, highlight contrasts with Democrats, and energize their electorate, which had shown reduced enthusiasm.

Even with the NFL season beginning and a Super Bowl rematch airing on the same day, the convention persisted as a crucial opportunity to sway voters ahead of the crucial elections.