Trump warns of 'hell' if Republicans lose midterms in fiery convention speech

President Donald Trump appealed for support Wednesday (local time), warning that Republicans would lose time, border security and tax cuts if they lose the November midterm elections. He said "hell will break loose."

Speaking that day in his keynote address at the Republican convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Trump said, "If we hand our nation's future to the radical left Democratic Party, our country will struggle merely to get back on its feet for the next decade, and that would be a tragedy," and urged voters to "vote Republican."

Trump took the stage that day after being introduced by country singer Lee Greenwood, whose performance of "God Bless the USA," had already fired up the crowd. He claimed he had won every election in which his name appeared on the ballot, joking, "I'm not a candidate in this election." He then added, "I'm asking you to act as if my name is on the ballot."

He claimed credit for reversing the economic missteps of former President Joe Biden, stressing that the United States had changed dramatically over the past two years. Noting that a border wall had been built in Texas, where the convention was held, he also credited Republican Rep. Ted Cruz and others for their contributions.

"If we lose, you will lose your border, your tax cuts, your safety and security, and all your wealth," he said. "Our country will go through a hellish period."

He also drew a sharp line between the Democratic Party, which he cast as radical leftists and communists, and himself and the Republican Party, which he framed as defenders of American freedom. "We will defeat the communists in America, and we will vote for America's freedom," Trump said.

US party conventions typically take place ahead of presidential elections, but the Republican Party this time held an unusual midterm election convention. Trump, facing a tough fight in the midterms, reportedly proposed the event to the party. He sought to rally support through what has been described as an "event effect." Trump is set to speak on both the first and second days of the two-day convention. Senior officials in the Trump administration, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, are also scheduled to speak.