donald trump Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton shrugged off questions about leaked audio while defending the Republican midterm convention, saying Paxton personally harmed a number of candidates involved. When journalists raised this criticism on Wednesday, the President did not directly engage.
Donald Trump reacts to Ken Paxton’s leaked audio
Trump’s response in the Oval Office was brief, simply saying, “Didn’t hear that.” He immediately began praising the Dallas convention, calling it “amazing” and pointing to its viewership. Trump also argued that the two-day gathering had helped other Republican candidates. cbs).
Audio, published on Wednesday the new York TimesReportedly came from a private event with donors and lobbyists in South Texas. In the recording, Paxton was asked if someone was “pulling a little bit”, although the clip does not say who was the target of the question. Paxton replied that the numbers had declined because of the conference and said, “Everyone’s numbers have declined.” He added, “Right now, yes, not good.”
Paxton’s team moved quickly to prevent consequences. Spokesman Nick Maddux dismissed the recording as “manipulated nonsense” and argued that it had created controversy rather than revelations. He backed up that response with an internal poll that put Paxton three points ahead of Democratic nominee James Tallarico.
JD Vance also downplayed the controversy when asked by Fox News about the private conversation. The Vice President said that Paxton’s off-the-record comments did not concern him much and made his support clear, saying, “We’re going to help Ken.”
The leaked recording came against the backdrop of Trump’s September convention appearance, where he threw his support behind Paxton’s Senate campaign. Trump acknowledged that Paxton could be rude, pointing out his attire and speaking style, but he turned the moment into full support. Ultimately he praised Paxton as “the greatest Attorney General in America” and urged support for his Senate bid.