President Donald Trump asserted that his recent Republican National Convention in Dallas achieved higher viewership than the NFL's opening night, even though major television networks did not broadcast the event. This claim comes amid reports that several prominent Republicans intentionally avoided attending the convention. Trump addressed these reports, stating that only politicians running in close races were expected to be present, suggesting that others had chosen not to attend. Before the convention, Trump had a tense exchange with ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce, as reported by Mediaite. Bruce had questioned him about the absences of high-profile Republicans, prompting Trump to criticize her and ABC News, calling them "fake news" and labeling Bruce "the worst of all, in my opinion." Trump defended the low turnout, attributing it to limited space at the event and stating that only those in tight races were invited. Despite the controversy, Trump insisted that every politician they wanted to be present was indeed there. His comments reflect an ongoing effort to downplay the significance of the absences and to frame the convention as a successful and well-attended event. The situation highlights the contentious nature of political conventions and the scrutiny they face in the media. The president's remarks also underscore the broader political dynamics within the Republican Party, where strategic decisions about attendance can reflect both personal and political considerations. As the convention concluded, Trump continued to assert his influence and the legitimacy of the event, despite the absence of some high-profile figures.