US President Donald Trump has urged his supporters to turn out for the November 3 midterm elections, using provocative language as he sought to energise Republicans ahead of a vote that will determine control of Congress. Reuters reported the remarks following a Republican gathering in Dallas, Texas.
Trump made the comments while leading supporters through a mock pledge at the Republican Party’s first midterm convention. He asked attendees to raise their right hands and repeat a pledge supporting what he called “the greatest president in the history of the United States.”
He then encouraged members of the crowd to mobilise their relatives and friends to vote on November 3 or during early voting. Trump also made a controversial reference to voter registration and accused political opponents of cheating before saying he would “cheat like hell.”
“I don’t care if I’m registered or not. I’m going to try and cheat like hell like they do,” Trump said, according to the report.
Trump went on to urge supporters to bring their families and friends to the polls. He ended the pledge with a reference to divine consequences for those who failed to vote, telling the crowd that they would “go to hell” if they did not participate.
The remarks came during a wider Republican effort to mobilise the party’s core supporters before the November elections. Trump has sought to make the midterms a referendum on his presidency, telling supporters elsewhere at the Dallas convention to treat him as though he were on the ballot.
The election is particularly important for Republicans, who are seeking to retain control of both chambers of Congress. Trump has made his political influence central to the party’s campaign, although some Republicans have questioned whether putting the president at the centre of the midterm strategy could make it harder for candidates to attract independent voters.
Trump’s comments come amid a broader Republican campaign focused heavily on energising supporters and attacking Democrats. The Dallas gathering also featured promises and appeals aimed at boosting turnout as both parties prepare for a closely watched congressional contest.
