Paxton Criticizes Cornyn for Anti-Trump Stance

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton did not hold back in his criticism of Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) on Friday, calling out the senator for a series of comments against former President Donald Trump.

In a statement shared with Breitbart News, Paxton remarked, “John Cornyn has spent years trying to destroy President Trump and undermine the America First movement.” He accused Cornyn of siding with the establishment against Trump during critical moments. “Time and again, when President Trump faced challenges, Cornyn joined the swamp in attempts to undermine him. From supporting anti-Trump legislation to trying to block his presidential bids in 2016 and 2024, he has actively worked against the president. On the other hand, I have consistently defended Trump, opposing the allegedly rigged 2020 election and confronting corruption during what I see as an anti-Trump witch hunt.”

Paxton’s campaign released a fierce digital ad prior to its public debut, highlighting Cornyn’s history of attacks against Trump. The two-minute video opens with a message stating, “John Cornyn has helped the swamp try to destroy President Trump time and time again.”

The ad transitions to a news segment where a reporter notes Cornyn’s dissent against Trump as the election for 2024 draws near. “The senators didn’t announce support for any candidate, but they made it clear who they thought Republicans shouldn’t nominate—former President Donald Trump,” said the reporter.

The video continues with another reporter relaying Cornyn’s comment: “I think the era of President Trump is over,” indicating Cornyn’s belief that Trump needs to appeal to a wider electorate in general elections.

Further clips showcase Cornyn mocking Trump, stating after the January 6 protests that the former president fueled the false narrative of a stolen election, calling Trump’s actions “reckless.” Another segment reveals Cornyn hesitating to vote to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial, saying he would listen to the evidence presented.

The ad also features Cornyn defending former FBI Director James Comey, discussing the alleged Russian interference in the election, and asserting its legitimacy as an investigative topic, despite Trump’s characterization of it as a witch hunt. Adding to this, Cornyn addresses Trump’s handling of classified documents following the Mar-a-Lago incident, implying that Trump created his own problems with those actions.

Paxton’s ad showcases clips of Cornyn praising Lisa Monaco—a figure who would later serve as deputy attorney general under President Biden—and expressing admiration for Robert Mueller, who led the investigation into Russian interference during Trump’s first term.

In a concerning admission, Cornyn expressed doubt about Trump running again, stating, “I think so,” when asked if Trump’s time had passed.

The final moments of the ad contrast Cornyn’s criticisms of Trump with Paxton’s support for the former president, following a primary election and upcoming runoff against Paxton. The results indicate that Cornyn’s chances of regaining Trump’s favor have diminished, especially since Paxton offered to withdraw from the race if Cornyn could advance the SAVE America Act in the Senate, which Cornyn failed to do. As a result, Trump has seemingly stepped back from supporting Cornyn, leaving the senator, now seeking a fifth term, in a tough spot as the president maintains neutrality.