Falling support and the Iran war put Trump to the test in Dallas

Donald Trump wanted the first Republican convention for the midterm elections to showcase his strength. Instead, he arrives at Dallas's American Airlines Center with his approval rating falling and many Republican candidates keeping their distance.

The president's support has dropped to 33%, according to the latest Financial Times poll. Among conservative voters, frustration is growing over a cost-of-living crisis that has shown little sign of easing. Inflation continues to rise, tariffs have pushed up prices, and the war in Iran has driven gasoline and diesel prices to historic highs.

Many voters believe Trump is not devoting enough attention to those pressures. They are also unhappy with his drive to make Washington more attractive and his promotion of data centers that they do not want in their communities. The Iran conflict has further alienated some supporters who feel betrayed by a president who promised to end America's forever wars.

Trump is expected to use the two-day convention to restore ties with loyalists and enjoy large crowds before flying to Ireland to visit one of his golf courses. Much of his administration will join him in Dallas, but first lady Melania Trump will not attend. Many Republican congressional candidates whom Trump wanted at the gathering are also staying away, aware that association with an unpopular and unpredictable president could damage their campaigns. At the same time, they risk angering Trump and facing retaliation on social media if they criticize him.

One attendee is Ken Paxton, the controversial former Texas attorney general, who trails Democratic rival James Talarico. A Paxton victory is important to Republicans seeking to retain their Senate majority. Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., has spent $10 million on advertising for Paxton, its first major midterm investment, while Elon Musk spent $3.7 million last week supporting Paxton and other struggling Republicans.