President Donald Trump escalated his feud with Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) on Thursday, accusing the senator and longtime Republican strategist Karl Rove of undermining the party’s Senate nominee, Attorney General Ken Paxton. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Cornyn and Rove are “doing everything possible to make it hard for Ken Paxton” to win in November.
Trump’s ire was triggered by Rove’s reported support for a Democrat in a down-ballot Texas race, though he did not specify which contest. The president labeled Cornyn and Rove “Super RINO” and “Liddle’ Buddy,” claiming they have opposed him throughout his political career.
“If Ken Paxton loses, it will be because of WEAK and INEFFECTIVE Political Hacks like John Cornyn and Karl Rove,” Trump wrote, adding that they are “hurting Texas.”
Paxton, who secured Trump’s endorsement, defeated Cornyn in a Republican primary runoff in May. Since then, Cornyn has been openly critical of the Trump administration and has refused to campaign with Paxton, citing the attorney general’s numerous scandals and divisive campaign style.
Trump also took aim at state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the Senate seat, calling him “the ANTITHESIS of Texas Values” and “a FREAKO.” The president warned that Texas cannot afford to send Talarico to Washington.
The attacks come as Republicans grow increasingly anxious about holding the Texas Senate seat. Most public polls show Talarico with a narrow lead, and nonpartisan election forecaster Decision Desk HQ gives him a 56 percent chance of victory. Early voting in Texas begins Monday.
The president’s latest broadside underscores the deepening rift within the Texas GOP, where Cornyn’s refusal to back Paxton has become a flashpoint. Trump’s loyalists have rallied behind Paxton, while establishment Republicans worry that his baggage could cost the party a critical seat.
Trump’s post also referenced his broader political grievances, calling out Cornyn and Rove for their long-standing opposition. The former president has frequently targeted Rove, a former adviser to President George W. Bush, for his criticism of Trump’s movement.
With the midterm elections approaching, Trump’s intervention signals that he intends to hold detractors accountable if the party falters. For now, all eyes are on Texas, where the battle for the Senate could hinge on whether Cornyn and other skeptical Republicans ultimately fall in line behind Paxton.
