Karl Rove downplays President Trump's criticism of Texas candidates
Republican strategist Karl Rove said he was uninterested in President Trump's accusations that he and Sen. John Cornyn were undermining Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's Senate campaign.
Longtime Republican strategist Karl Rove dismissed President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of him and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) over the Senate race of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Trump had accused the two of hindering Paxton’s campaign on his Truth Social account, alleging they were working against the GOP candidate.
Rove responded on Fox News’ "The Guy Benson Show," suggesting Trump was looking for a scapegoat after Paxton’s campaign faced setbacks, including a leaked audio clip in which Paxton blamed the president’s foreign policy for his declining poll numbers. The New York Times reported that Paxton’s Democratic opponent, James Talarico, was leading in recent polls.
"It sounds like he thinks Paxton is going to lose, and he’s looking for somebody to blame," Rove said.
"And if I’m weak and ineffective, how could I have done anything to diminish the power of the man who won 96% of Texas counties? I don’t know what the president’s talking about, and with all due respect, I really don’t care," he added.
The exchange highlights intra-party tensions as the midterm election approaches.