At the beginning of the Republican National Convention—often nicknamed "Trumpapalooza"—former President Donald Trump gave a two-hour speech aimed at energizing his political base ahead of the November elections. The speech touched on several key issues, including immigration, crime, transgender athletes in sports, and the design of the White House ballroom. However, it notably avoided direct discussion of major economic concerns facing many American voters, such as the rising costs of housing, food, and other consumer goods. Trump did not use the words "inflation," "rent," or "housing" during his speech. He briefly mentioned grocery prices, falsely stating they were "rapidly" decreasing. In a short section on "affordability," he blamed rising costs on green-energy policies and Democratic lawmakers, calling these claims "fake." Additionally, Trump promised $5,000 payments to Americans if Republicans maintain control of Congress after the November elections, a pledge that has drawn both support and skepticism from observers. The convention will continue with a keynote speech by Vice President JD Vance. Analysts are watching closely to see if Vance will bring attention to economic issues or focus on themes less tied to Trump’s usual rhetoric. This is a key moment for the Republican Party, as the choice of messaging could influence voter perceptions and the election's outcome. Trump’s focus on non-economic topics has sparked debate among political analysts and historians. Some argue that his strategy centers more on securing a lasting legacy than on tackling the immediate financial challenges his supporters face. This approach has raised concerns about how it might impact his political standing, particularly if economic issues play a significant role in the November elections.