President’s midterms ‘hell’ threat

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 14, 2026

Former President Donald Trump urged Republican delegates at the party’s first midterm convention to pledge allegiance to him and warned that those who don’t vote in November “go to hell.” His impassioned rhetoric highlights his continued dominance in the GOP despite internal disagreements and concerns about the party’s electoral prospects.

Former President Donald Trump delivered a striking message to Republican delegates at the party’s first-ever midterm convention, held Thursday in Dallas, warning that those who fail to vote in the upcoming November elections would “go to hell.” The event, spanning two days, featured a series of speeches portraying the Democratic Party as morally bankrupt and labeling them “communists,” while underscoring Trump’s claim to be the GOP’s best hope despite his declining approval ratings.

Trump concluded the convention by leading delegates in a pledge of allegiance to himself, invoking religious language and emphasizing the importance of voter turnout. Raising their right hands, participants recited a vow that included the phrase, “I pledge to the greatest president in the history of the United States that loves us so much he can’t even breathe… So help me God.” Trump followed by warning, “You know what happens if you don’t vote? You go to hell, you know that? OK? You go to hell, and I don’t want that to happen to you.”

The unconventional convention and Trump’s blunt rhetoric come amid concerns about Republican prospects in the midterm elections, with the former president seeking to energize the party base. However, some Republicans expressed reservations about Trump’s role in the campaign. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a moderate GOP incumbent facing a tough re-election battle, said she had not had the opportunity to watch Trump’s speech. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who unsuccessfully challenged Trump for the GOP presidential nomination earlier this year, offered a more traditional policy critique. He said the government should return surplus revenue to taxpayers instead of increasing borrowing, warning that escalating debt could fuel inflation.

The Texas gathering marked a departure from typical midterm strategies, as the Republican Party put a spotlight on Trump’s personal appeal despite polling difficulties. The religious overtones and harsh voter admonition underscored the former president’s ongoing influence within the party amid internal divisions over the best approach to reclaim control of Congress in November.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.