Trump backs Paxton in Texas: “He’s a pain, but we need him”

DALLAS — U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Texas on Thursday to strongly back Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate candidacy, opening a tour of Republican states aimed at mobilising the MAGA base for Republican candidates ahead of the November elections, as the New York Post reports.

The stop was at the Peterbilt Motors truck plant outside Dallas, in Denton, where Trump promoted his trade and economic agenda. “This year the United States has added 60,000 new manufacturing jobs, and heavy truck production has risen by about 31 percent,” he said, while the White House says Trump-era tariffs on trucks helped job growth.

The president did not hide his complicated relationship with the candidate he is backing. “Ken Paxton was by my side more than anyone, and I must always remember that, because sometimes he can be a pain, to be honest,” Trump told the crowd, calling him a “special person”. “We need Ken so much, that’s why I’m here,” he added. Trump thanked Paxton but did not invite him to speak; it is not known whether there is tension, after reports that Paxton complained privately that Republican candidates saw a drop in polls after the president’s convention in Dallas.

The day’s special guest was former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who joined the plant tour. Rodman wore shiny black trousers, Crocs slippers and a T-shirt with his photo. “The greatest rebounder,” Trump pointed out, adding that when he wanted to get to know North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, “the one who knew him best was Dennis Rodman” — a reference to the president’s preparations to renew diplomacy with Rodman’s friend.

Trump did not spare attacks on Paxton’s Democratic rival, James Talarico. “You have a freak… He doesn’t eat meat. He’s vegan,” he said. “Putting a freak like him in there would be terrible for your state and terrible for the country.”

Of his campaigning in support of Republicans, the president said he is as committed as ever: “My heart is in it. I would be home now if it weren’t… My heart is in it like never before.” He said Republicans should better promote their achievements: “Someone says we did a bad job on public relations, but an excellent job on management… We have to get the message out.”

From Dallas, Trump headed to Oklahoma to back Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei; next week he will be in upstate New York for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, while he is considering a trip to Alaska in mid-October for Senator Dan Sullivan. Trump won Texas by about 15 points in 2024 and backed Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primaries, securing him the nomination. Senator Ted Cruz also attended the event. According to polls, Paxton remains behind Talarico and faces questions over a legal investigation.