Trump said the American Airlines Center was packed for his Wednesday night speech, despite open areas in the arena’s upper levelBy Joseph Morton,Washington BureauSep 10, 2026|Updated Sep 10, 2026 3:25 p.m.
There was plenty of space Wednesday for President Donald Trump’s opening night remarks at the Republican midterm convention, but he suggested open seats were the result of people visiting the restrooms.
Early in his remarks, Trump alluded to the unprecedented nature of the two-day gathering, including skepticism that people would be clamoring to attend.
President Donald Trump dances with Y.M.C.A. song after his speech Wednesday at the Republican convention at American Airlines Center.Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
“This place is packed. And not only is this packed, this is a big arena, not only is this packed, but you have an equal number of people standing outside,” Trump said of the American Airlines Center. “If anybody would like to give up their seat . . . would anybody like to raise your hand and give up your seat?”
The floor of the sports arena and the lower bowl were mostly full, but some upper-level sections were sparsely populated, with entire rows empty.
Organizers and state parties went through different approaches to distributing tickets, from offering high-priced packages to giving away seats to Dallas-area residents.
Trump repeatedly called the arena “packed” and predicted news outlets would say otherwise.
“The fake news will go around and see that man up there? He's leaving for the bathroom. He'll be back in two minutes,” he said. “They’ll take a picture of his seat while he's gone. And they'll say, ‘Trump did not fill up the arena. The arena was not filled. Look at the seat.’”
Trump then made a request that attendees wait until after his speech to heed nature’s call.
“So please, if you don't mind, don't anybody go to the bathroom,” Trump said.
The Republican National Committee on Thursday stood by Trump's description of the arena, called the energy "electric" and emphasized the event’s wider appeal for "Americans watching from home, the families weighing the choice ahead."
Sep 10, 2026|Updated Sep 10, 2026 3:25 p.m.
Joseph Morton
WASHINGTON BUREAU
Joseph Morton covers the intersection of business and politics in the Washington Bureau. Before joining The News, Joseph worked for CQ Roll Call and the Omaha World-Herald. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
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