Trump praises yet ridicules Texas Senate hopeful Ken Paxton over his looks
Donald Trump alternated between championing Ken Paxton for the Senate and mocking his appearance and interview style.
Trump repeatedly urged voters to back Paxton as a staunch defender of his agenda, then turned to disparage Paxton’s wardrobe, describing him as looking like a schlub and criticizing his television interviews. The hosts pointed out Trump’s frequent use of “some people say” as a way to present his own opinions as external commentary.
They also referenced Texas Senator John Cornyn’s assessment that Paxton is a weak campaigner who struggles with fundraising. An anecdote about Trump’s penchant for buying shoes for male cabinet members, often misjudging sizes, was cited, along with speculation that Paxton’s odd attire at a recent event stemmed from borrowing oversized shoes after a golf round.
Why it matters
The story highlights how personal image attacks can shape political endorsements and voter perceptions.
How this story developed
- Aug 15 Trump aides say president reluctant to campaign for down-ballot Republicans
- Sep 1 Eight House Democrats voted with Republicans on the anti‑socialism resolution.
- Sep 2 Senior advisors to President Trump are urging the administration to limit the Iran war until the November 3 elections, relying on economic pressure rather than expanded military action.
- Sep 2 The resolution was defeated in the House vote.
- Sep 2 Trump told reporters the helipad, intended for Marine One, is now operational after critics warned that landing on the lawn was unsafe. The announcement coincides with the restart of construction on the White House Ballroom, a project the president has championed despite legal challenges. The Supreme Court recently cleared the way for continued building, and Trump says private funds are covering the work. He also highlighted other capital-area renovations, including work near the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool.
- Sep 2 The Cook Political Report moved Texas and Iowa into toss‑up status.
- Sep 2 Democratic leadership assigned the Committee on Caucus Rules to decide on consequences for the two lawmakers.
- Sep 2 A poll shows Talarico at 44.0% and Paxton at 43.4% among likely voters.
- Sep 3 Jeffries has not yet met individually with Golden and Gluesenkamp Perez.
- Sep 3 Trump advisers have begun actively lobbying to limit escalation of the Iran war before the midterm elections.
- Sep 3 Sand publicly opposed Harris’s potential 2028 presidential run.
- Sep 4 Judge Indira Talwani ordered the Justice Department to submit implementation details for the USPS mail‑ballot rule.
- Sep 4 The Supreme Court ruled that the lawsuit challenging the ballroom lacks standing, allowing construction to continue.
- Sep 4 The America PAC filing listed independent expenditures in multiple 2026 races.
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