At a series of rallies across Texas and Oklahoma this week, Donald Trump did something unusual: he publicly needled one of his own endorsed candidates. Speaking about Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the U.S. Senate, Trump called him “a pain in the ass” and admitted he was “a little controversial.” The remarks, delivered with a grin but unmistakably pointed, offer a rare glimpse into how Trump views a key ally just weeks before the November elections.
Trump's Candid Remark Stirs the Pot
Trump has never been known for filtering his thoughts, but even by his standards, the comments about Paxton stood out. The former president was in the middle of a riff about loyalty and political combat when he turned to Paxton, who has been a staunch defender of Trump's election fraud claims and a fixture in conservative legal circles. “He's a pain in the ass,” Trump said, according to attendees, “but he's our pain in the ass.” The crowd laughed, but the subtext was clear: Trump is aware of Paxton's baggage and wants to keep him at arm's length while still benefiting from his support.
Paxton, who has served as Texas attorney general since 2015, is no stranger to controversy. He has faced a long-running securities fraud indictment, an FBI investigation into corruption allegations, and a whistleblower lawsuit from former top aides. In 2023, the Texas House impeached him on charges of bribery and abuse of office, though the state Senate acquitted him. Through it all, Paxton has remained a popular figure among grassroots conservatives, largely because of his willingness to sue the Biden administration and defend Trump in court.
Why Paxton's Senate Bid Matters
Paxton is running to replace retiring Senator John Cornyn, a Republican who has occasionally clashed with Trump. The Texas Senate primary is expected to be crowded, with several other Republicans eyeing the seat, including U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt and former Texas GOP chair Matt Rinaldi. But Paxton's name recognition and Trump's endorsement make him the immediate frontrunner, despite his legal troubles.
Trump's decision to endorse Paxton early was a calculated move. Texas is a must-win state for Republicans, and Trump wants a loyalist in the Senate who will back his agenda without hesitation. But Paxton's vulnerabilities could complicate the general election. Democrats have not won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, but they are hoping that Paxton's scandals will give them an opening, especially in the suburbs where moderate Republicans and independents have soured on Trump-era politics.
The Loyalty Test
Trump's remarks also serve as a loyalty test for Paxton. By calling him a “pain in the ass,” Trump is signaling that he expects Paxton to remain grateful and compliant. In Trump's world, being labeled difficult is not necessarily an insult; it can be a badge of honor, as long as you are difficult on his behalf. Paxton has already proven his willingness to go to bat for Trump, filing lawsuits challenging the 2020 election results and defending Trump during his first impeachment trial. That loyalty has earned him Trump's backing, but it also means Trump feels entitled to publicly critique him.
For Paxton, the challenge is to embrace Trump's endorsement without being defined by the controversy. He has largely avoided commenting on Trump's quips, instead focusing on his record as attorney general and his promise to fight the “Biden-Harris agenda.” But the remarks have already been seized upon by his primary opponents, who argue that even Trump acknowledges Paxton's problems.
What It Means for the GOP's Senate Hopes
Republicans need to net just a few seats to retake the Senate majority, and Texas is not considered a top battleground. But the party is eager to avoid a messy primary that could drain resources and damage the eventual nominee. Trump's comments, while lighthearted, underscore the risk that Paxton's controversies could become a general election liability.
Democrats, meanwhile, are watching closely. They have not yet recruited a top-tier candidate, but names like former congressman Beto O'Rourke and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez are being floated. O'Rourke has already run for Senate and governor, losing both times, but he remains a fundraising powerhouse. Gutierrez has been a vocal critic of Paxton's and has called for his resignation.
The Broader Political Landscape
Trump's Texas swing comes as he ramps up his own campaign for the White House. He is expected to win the Republican nomination easily, but he is also working to shore up support among donors and party leaders who are wary of his legal troubles. His comments about Paxton are a reminder that Trump remains the dominant force in the GOP, capable of making or breaking candidates with a single sentence.
For Paxton, the path forward is clear: he must continue to court Trump's base while trying to broaden his appeal. That is a delicate balancing act, especially in a state where suburban voters have been drifting away from the GOP. If Paxton wins the primary, Republicans will have to decide whether to embrace him fully or keep their distance. Trump's remarks suggest that even he is not entirely comfortable with the idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trump say about Ken Paxton?
Trump called Paxton “a pain in the ass” and “a little controversial” during rallies in Texas and Oklahoma. He made the comments while discussing his endorsement of Paxton's Senate bid.
Why did Trump endorse Paxton despite the controversy?
Trump values loyalty, and Paxton has been one of his most vocal defenders. Paxton supported Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and has used his office to challenge Biden administration policies. Trump's endorsement is a reward for that loyalty.
How could Paxton's controversies affect the Texas Senate race?
Paxton's legal issues could alienate moderate Republicans and independents in the general election, giving Democrats a rare opportunity in a state they haven't won statewide in decades. However, his strong support among grassroots conservatives makes him the primary favorite.
Who else is running for the Texas Senate seat?
Several Republicans are expected to enter the race, including U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt and former Texas GOP chair Matt Rinaldi. Democrats have not yet settled on a candidate, but names like Beto O'Rourke and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez are being mentioned.
What does Trump's remark mean for his relationship with Paxton?
It suggests Trump sees Paxton as a useful but imperfect ally. The comment is a reminder that Trump demands loyalty and is not afraid to publicly criticize even those he endorses.