‘He may not be the best-looking guy’: Trump’s blunt take on Paxton’s wardrobe and why he backs him

DALLAS, TEXAS: President Donald Trump on Wednesday, September 9, took fresh digs at Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's wardrobe choices during the first-ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas, even as he urged GOP voters to support Paxton’s Senate campaign.

The 80-year-old mocked Paxton’s appearance, clothing, and speaking style before describing him as “the greatest attorney general in America” and saying he deserves to win the Senate seat. The remarks came six days after Trump made similar comments about Paxton as his MAGA Inc super PAC put $10 million behind the Republican nominee’s campaign against Democrat James Talarico.

Trump repeats Ken Paxton jabs while urging Texas voters to support him

Trump brought up Paxton’s appearance and speaking style while making the case for his candidacy at the Republican convention. “I have to say this about Ken, it’s so insulting, and I hope he doesn’t get insulted,” he said. “Some may not like the way he dresses, I don’t. Although tonight he looked very spiffy in his blue suit, I must tell you. But they may not like the way he talks. I can see that, you know.”

Trump continued by questioning Paxton’s appearance before returning to his endorsement of the Texas attorney general. “He may not talk exactly perfectly, and he may not be the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen. But here's the news, in the history of Texas, he is the single greatest attorney general you've ever had," the Republican leader said. “I’m sorry, Ken.”

Trump said advisors had recommended that he not make those comments but indicated he wanted to repeat them. He also announced that he would return to Texas to campaign for Paxton before Election Day. “I’ll be coming back to Texas because we have to elect Ken Paxton,” Trump said. “If I have to, I’ll come back twice or three times.”

Trump made similar remarks on Paxton’s wardrobe just six days earlier while endorsing his Senate bid. “You might not like the way he looks, you might not love his look, you might not love his television interviews, but he was the best attorney general in the country, perhaps,” Trump said on September 2.

Trump’s $10 million investment comes as Ken Paxton faces tough challenge from James Talarico

Trump’s MAGA Inc super PAC also made its first major midterm investment in the Texas Senate race last week. The committee is putting $10 million behind Paxton, as several recent polls have shown that Talarico has a healthy edge over Paxton.

Paxton is facing a competitive race against Talarico, a Democratic state lawmaker who is seeking to become the first Texas Democrat elected to the US Senate in the state in decades. 

Talarico’s campaign also recently highlighted photos showing Paxton wearing what appeared to be a $41,000 watch and a purple shirt bearing the logo of the Four Seasons Orlando golf club. “Nothing says you understand the affordability crisis like wearing a $41,000 watch and a Four Seasons polo,” Talarico wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Paxton’s campaign spokesperson Madison Cercy responded the next day, telling PEOPLE that the Texas attorney general “is proud of his successful career outside of public service, including running his own small business as a lawyer.”