First Lady Melania Trump will skip President Donald Trump’s first-ever Republican midterm convention, adding another high-profile absence to an event already struggling to project party unity.
A White House official confirmed Thursday that Melania Trump does not plan to attend the Sept. 9-10 Republican National Convention in Dallas, according to the Washington Examiner.
Her decision comes as at least 45 Republican candidates and lawmakers say they also plan to stay away. Dozens more remain undecided, according to POLITICO.
Trump will now take center stage without the first lady as the Republican National Committee attempts to transform the two-day gathering into a massive political spectacle.
For a president promising a televised show of Republican strength weeks before the midterm elections, the growing list of empty seats could become part of the story.
Melania Trump Will Skip the Republican Convention
Melania Trump made a rare appearance during the 2024 presidential campaign on the final night of the Republican convention in Milwaukee.
She entered the convention alone as classical music played. The moment sharply contrasted with the rock and country music dominating the rest of the event.
However, Melania will not repeat that appearance in Dallas. The development has prompted more scrutiny about the First Lady’s and President’s relationship.
The first lady has maintained a lower political profile than many of her predecessors. She attended the 2016 Republican convention but faced accusations that her speech copied portions of Michelle Obama’s 2008 Democratic convention address.
Melania’s speechwriter later accepted responsibility for the similarities.
Her absence from the Dallas gathering becomes more conspicuous because Trump plans to appear on both nights. Vice President JD Vance will speak Sept. 9, while Trump will deliver the keynote address Sept. 10.
Trump added another appearance amid turnout concerns, according to Reuters.
At Least 45 Republicans Plan to Skip Trump’s Convention
Melania Trump is only the latest prominent Republican figure expected to miss the event.
At least 45 Republican candidates and lawmakers say they will not attend, while dozens more have not decided, POLITICO reports.
The high number of potential absences is raising questions about whether Trump’s convention will energize Republicans or expose the political pressures dividing the party.
Trump envisioned the gathering as a massive rally for Republican candidates, donors and voters.
However, some lawmakers are choosing campaign stops, family obligations or other events. Others appear reluctant to associate themselves too closely with Trump during competitive races.
The Republican National Committee has promoted the convention at the American Airlines Center as a major opportunity to build momentum before November.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune plan to attend. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and several vulnerable Republican senators are also expected.
Still, the attendance list remains far from a complete show of party unity.
Rep. Tom Barrett, a Michigan Republican facing a difficult reelection campaign, said he believes his district deserves his attention.
“I just felt I’d be more useful in my district,” Barrett said, according to POLITICO. “I travel a lot for this job, and if I can be back home and see my family and do the job back home as well, then that’s sort of what I lean toward doing.”
Barrett also acknowledged that staying away gives him more control over his association with Trump’s remarks.
“I can’t control what the president’s going to say at the convention, but I can control where I’m at, what I’m doing.”
Other Republicans facing competitive races are making similar decisions.
Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa said, “I’m going to be in my district.”
Rep. Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania said he remained uncertain. Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado reportedly does not plan to attend.
Rep. Nick LaLota of New York plans to visit colleges with his daughter.
The decisions come as Republicans navigate the Iran conflict, Trump’s trade war with Canada and voter frustration over higher prices.
One Republican lawmaker planning to skip the convention privately called it “a waste of time.” The lawmaker also described the planning as “a mess.”
“You shouldn’t be having to rally your base at this point,” the member said. “You should be trying to convince independents. Independents are not attending nor watching the midterm convention.”
Republican Convention Costs Reach $25,000
Financial requirements are also keeping some House Republicans away.
An NRCC memo obtained by POLITICO outlines a $25,000 base donation for members. The package includes one hotel room, two convention tickets and admission to a welcome reception.
Higher tiers reaching $100,000 offer additional rooms and VIP access.
Some lawmakers questioned whether they should divert campaign money from competitive local races to attend Trump’s event.
The NRCC later exempted its most vulnerable House incumbents from paying the $25,000 fee, although confusion reportedly remained over who qualified, according to Axios.
“I didn’t want to go anyway. That made it easier,” another Republican lawmaker said.
Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee said the price contributed to his hesitation.
“It’s $25,000, apparently — I just got a bill,” Burchett said.
The Republican National Committee rejected suggestions that the absences signal weak enthusiasm.
“The outreach and enthusiasm to attend, participate, and speak at this historic midterm convention has been incredible,” RNC national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre said.
Baldassarre said Republicans are rallying behind Trump’s agenda and predicted the event would help the party expand its congressional majorities.
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters has promoted the gathering as a “Trumpapalooza.”
“This convention will be a Trumpapalooza,” Gruters previously said. “Where we will showcase the America First agenda, which has delivered the largest tax cut in history and made communities safer.”
Gruters said the convention’s 109 scheduled items and speakers would highlight Republican candidates, party priorities and Trump’s vision.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called hosting the gathering a “tremendous honor.” Texas Republican Party Chair D’rinda Randall said Texans were eager to welcome Trump.
Yet the convention is facing an increasingly awkward reality: Melania Trump and dozens of Republicans have decided their time would be better spent somewhere else.
That has not gone unnoticed online.
“Trump isn’t holding a midterm convention to save Republicans from Trump,” one commenter wrote. “Trump’s going to make it a required love fest about himself at a time when his approvals are in the 30s. This should go GREAT.”
Another person wrote, “It’s sure been a disaster.”
Others viewed the growing list of absences as evidence that Trump’s influence may be weakening among Republicans confronting difficult elections.
“Republicans are coming up with all kinds of excuses not to attend Trump’s Big Midterm Convention Lapalooza,” one person wrote. “Is the circus barker finally losing his appeal?”
Others joked about the reasons Melania will not be attending.
“Apparently, he can’t even pay her enough money,” one critic said. “I guess the check didn’t clear.”
