Trump jokingly calls Paxton a ‘pain in the ass’ at Texas event

Trump Mixes Praise and Barbs for Paxton at Texas Campaign Event

Activelifezero.com – President Donald Trump used a Texas appearance Thursday to praise Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s loyalty while also delivering another public jab at the state attorney general.

Speaking in Denton, Trump said Paxton had stood beside him during difficult periods and portrayed him as one of his most dependable allies. Moments later, the president added a blunt joke about the candidate’s personality.

“And I have to always remember that because he could be a pain in the ass sometimes. I’ll be honest.”

The remark continued a familiar pattern in Trump’s comments about Paxton: compliments for his work and political backing are frequently paired with teasing criticism. Paxton is competing in a consequential Republican Senate race, and Trump has endorsed him in the primary rather than supporting another candidate viewed as less politically risky.

A Loyal Ally Faces Public Teasing

Trump has repeatedly emphasized Paxton’s past support, saying the Texas official was present when he faced criticism. At the Denton event, he said Paxton had been at his side “more than anybody,” framing that loyalty as a reason to overlook occasional frustrations.

Trump later looked for Paxton in the crowd and appeared briefly unsure whether he had attended.

“Is he here? By the way – oh, there he is. Good. I didn’t even know if he’s here.”

Paxton has not publicly responded in kind to the president’s insults. The attorney general has instead maintained a close political relationship with Trump, whose endorsement remains a major asset in a Republican primary campaign in Texas.

The president’s jokes have extended beyond Paxton’s personality. During the GOP’s midterm convention, held in Texas and heavily focused on Paxton and his Senate bid, Trump commented on the attorney general’s appearance and speaking style.

“Some may not like the way he dresses,” Trump said, adding: “I don’t.”

Even when making such comments, Trump has generally paired them with favorable assessments of Paxton’s performance as attorney general. That combination places Paxton in a politically delicate position: he benefits from Trump’s support while avoiding any visible disagreement with the president.

Private Concerns About Convention Fallout

The latest exchange came after audio emerged Wednesday in which Paxton privately expressed concern about the political effect of the convention. In the recording, he told conservative donors and lobbyists that the event appeared to hurt polling numbers.

“So, to be honest with you, the numbers – when we did that convention – it dropped our numbers,” Paxton said. “Everybody’s numbers dropped. Right now, yeah, not good.”

The comments offered a more candid view of the campaign environment than Paxton’s public posture. His concern was not limited to his own standing; he said polling had declined more broadly after the gathering. The audio has drawn attention because the convention was designed in part to energize Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections.

Asked earlier Thursday whether he had talked with Paxton after the recording became public, Trump said he had not.

“No, I haven’t.”

When questioned about the audio at an Oval Office event the previous afternoon, Trump said he had not heard it. The response suggested that, at least publicly, he was not treating Paxton’s private concerns as a major rupture between the two allies.

Trump Emphasizes Continued Support

Later Thursday, at a rally in Oklahoma, Trump highlighted a video clip involving one of his supporters. In the clip, the supporter was asked whether Republicans remained committed to the president after the leaked Paxton audio.

“100%… Get on the Trump train.”

By replaying the response, Trump underscored his message that support for him within the party remains strong despite reports of unease among some Republican figures. The moment also shifted attention away from Paxton’s private assessment and toward Trump’s broader campaign appeal.

For Paxton, the episode illustrates the unusual dynamics of seeking office with Trump’s backing. The former president’s endorsement can offer substantial political value, especially in a contested Republican race. Yet Trump’s highly personal style means allies can become targets of jokes and criticism even while receiving his support.

Paxton’s decision not to challenge Trump publicly reflects the importance of that alliance. As the Senate contest develops, the candidate will need to balance his close association with the president against questions about campaign momentum and the impact of high-profile Republican events on voter perceptions.