US President Donald Trump has asked Republican supporters to treat the upcoming November midterm elections as if he himself were running. Speaking at the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Trump said Republicans need strong support to keep control of Congress. “I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” Trump told the crowd. Trump said the November election could be one of the most important elections in US history. He warned that a Republican defeat could lead to major changes in areas such as immigration, taxes and national security. Trump’s comments also show how important his personal support remains to the Republican Party. Presidents often struggle to keep their party in control during midterm elections, when voters elect members of Congress but do not vote for president. Trump will not be able to run for president again after his current term, so the Republican Party will have to depend on other leaders to attract voters in future elections. $5,000 Payment Promise One of the biggest announcements from Trump’s speech was a promise to give every adult US citizen $5,000 if Republicans win both chambers of Congress. Trump described the payment as a “dividend,” comparing it to money paid by a successful company to its investors. He said the money would come because of what he described as the country’s economic success. However, Trump did not explain exactly where the money would come from or how the plan would work. It is also unclear whether the president would have the legal authority to make such payments without approval from Congress. Questions also remain about who would qualify and how the government would make sure the money was spent in the United States. Trump said the money should be spent in the US rather than in other countries. Trump Talks About Iran and Oil Trump also spoke about the conflict involving Iran and the wider situation around the Strait of Hormuz. He again suggested that the Strait of Hormuz could be renamed the “Trump Strait.” The important waterway is located near Iran and is a major route for global energy shipments. Trump also said oil prices would fall once the US wins the war with Iran. His comments came after oil prices rose to around $100 a barrel. Trump blamed previous US administrations for what he described as high costs and excessive spending. He also claimed that food and other prices were already falling. Republican Candidates Get Trump's Support Trump used the convention to support Republican candidates preparing for November’s elections. He praised Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the US Senate. Trump said Paxton was one of the greatest attorneys general in the country, despite joking about criticism of Paxton’s appearance and clothing. Trump also said he plans to visit swing states across the country to campaign for Republican candidates. He told supporters that Republicans have a chance to win important races if voters turn out in large numbers. Democrats Attack the Convention Democrats criticized the Republican event and accused Trump of using the convention as a distraction from problems facing American families. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who traveled to Texas to support Democratic candidates, argued that issues such as the cost of groceries, healthcare and housing were more important than the convention. The midterm elections will therefore be an important test for both parties. Republicans will try to keep control of Congress, while Democrats will attempt to win seats and challenge Trump’s political influence. Trump is making clear that he wants his supporters to treat the election as a major vote on his political agenda. His message is simple: Republicans need to turn out in large numbers and keep control of Congress in November.