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

By Molly English, CNN

(CNN) — President Donald Trump jokingly described Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton as “a pain in the ass” during remarks in Denton, Texas, on Thursday – the latest in a long line of jabs he has made about his staunch ally who is running in a critical race for the GOP.

Trump praised Paxton’s loyalty, saying that when he had faced criticism in the past, Paxton was “at my side more than anybody.” Then he quipped, “And I have to always remember that because he could be a pain in the ass sometimes. I’ll be honest.”

Trump has repeatedly insulted Paxton in public remarks, even though he endorsed Paxton over a safer candidate in the Republican primary and has generally sought to boost his campaign. He has poked fun at the way the Texas attorney general dresses and talks, including at the GOP’s midterm convention, which was held in Paxton’s home state and focused heavily on him and his race.

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

Paxton has not in any way bit back – and Trump’s insults are often accompanied by praise for how Paxton does his job. But The New York Times on Wednesday published audio of Paxton privately complaining to conservative donors and lobbyists that the convention did more harm than good.

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

Pressed earlier Thursday by CNN’s Kristen Holmes on if he had spoken to Paxton following that leaked audio, Trump said, “No, I haven’t.” When reporters asked about the audio Wednesday afternoon during an Oval Office event, he said he hadn’t heard it.

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

The-CNN-Wire
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