- Senate Majority Leader John Thune and most of the GOP conference were reeling from Trump's actions regarding the Texas GOP Senate runoff.
- Trump's endorsement of Paxton came during his 10-day GOP revenge tour.
- Sen. Susan Collins stated, "I don't understand. He [Paxton] is an ethically challenged individual."
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski expressed her feelings, saying, "I'm supremely disappointed."
- A Trump confidante remarked, "He's done with the Senate bullsh*t and Thune and all of them. They can't deliver."
- The same confidante revealed, "The only reason the president was holding out for Cornyn was the SAVE Act."
- A Trump adviser claimed that polling indicated Paxton would win in November, stating, "It might have been Paxton's polling. But it's Texas."
- Trump is demanding money for ICE and Border Patrol before June 1.
Senate Republicans are in disarray after Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton during his 10-day revenge tour has left many lawmakers outraged.2
Trump’s endorsement of the controversial Texas AG aims to bolster his influence ahead of the upcoming Senate races, igniting tension within the party.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and others expressed profound shock at Trump's move. Thune was notably unprepared for the backlash that followed the Texas GOP Senate runoff. Sen. Susan Collins remarked, “I don’t understand. He [Paxton] is an ethically challenged individual.” Likewise, Sen. Lisa Murkowski voiced her disappointment over Trump’s decision, highlighting a growing concern among GOP senators about Paxton’s ethics.34
A Trump confidante stressed the president's discontent with Senate leadership, remarking, “He’s done with the Senate bullsh*t and Thune and all of them. They can’t deliver.” Meanwhile, there are insights that Trump's endorsement may have been driven partially by polling predictions, suggesting that Paxton may fare well in November. A Trump adviser stated, “[Trump] saw some polling this weekend… The polling showed Paxton will win in November.” Additionally, the political landscape is complicated as Trump is also pressing for funding related to ICE and Border Patrol before an upcoming deadline.5
Trump's maneuverings are not just about the upcoming elections; they signal his intent to maintain control and challenge party establishment figures.
“Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the GOP conference are reeling from Trump's endorsement of Paxton during a contentious runoff. GOP senators express disappointment over the political ramifications amid concerns about Paxton's ethics.”
