This doesn’t happen often. But when it does it makes headlines.
And a leading Republican backstabs President Trump with a wild accusation.
On Sunday’s edition of CBS’s Face the Nation, Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon openly criticized President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for the Senate seat.
Bacon labeled the decision a “mistake,” revealing deep tensions within Republican ranks as the party navigates its future direction.
Bacon’s comments come amid growing questions about loyalty and candidate strength heading into crucial midterm battles. The Nebraska Republican suggested that Trump’s powerful influence in primaries sometimes overrides other considerations, including personal history and electability concerns.
In the interview, Bacon addressed the dynamics directly. He noted the strong pull of Trump’s support among voters. Yet he pushed back firmly on this specific choice, arguing it has created unnecessary challenges for the party.
Paxton, a fierce warrior against federal overreach and cultural decay in Texas, secured the nomination despite significant opposition from party insiders.
“I think in many cases it does. His endorsement in a primary is often carries- carries the most weight. I think it was a mistake. I think this has hurt the president,” Bacon stated.
Bacon’s words expose the lingering resistance from the old guard. Many senators maintain close ties to longtime incumbent John Cornyn, viewing him as a reliable fundraiser who aided countless Republican campaigns nationwide.
This network of mutual support represents the very insider system that everyday Americans have grown to distrust.
Cornyn commanded respect in certain circles for his institutional knowledge and deal-making abilities.
Yet for right populists, his tenure often aligned too closely with Washington consensus policies.
“A lot of senators feel very close to Senator Cornyn. He was a big fundraiser. He helped a lot of these Republicans get elected all over the country, so there’s a lot of loyalty to John Cornyn. In fact, I know him too, and I admire the guy,” Bacon continued.
This admission from Bacon highlights the personal loyalties that can cloud judgment in high-stakes politics.
While Cornyn earned admiration from colleagues, the Texas primary voters delivered a clear verdict favoring a bolder, more confrontational figure in Paxton.
