Paxton’s 4th leaked audio puts Social Security, Medicare cuts in spotlight ahead of Senate race

WASHINGTON, DC: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing renewed scrutiny after a fourth leaked audio recording revealed him calling for cuts to mandatory federal spending to address the national deficit.

Speaking at a private Washington fundraiser, the Republican Senate candidate said the country would have to accept spending reductions, raising questions about his position on major government benefit programs.

The recording adds to a series of previously leaked remarks that have drawn attention to Paxton’s campaign as he prepares to face Democrat James Talarico in a closely contested Texas Senate race next month.

Ken Paxton calls for mandatory federal spending cuts

According to audio obtained by the Texas Tribune, Paxton was asked at the fundraiser how the federal government could reduce its deficit.

The Republican responded, “Making some reasonable cuts to mandatory spending, you’re gonna have to do it. Or there is no solution. That’s just the reality. We have to suck it up.”

Paxton also criticized successive administrations from both parties over federal spending, saying, “From Republican presidents to Democrats, we’ve been spending like crazy and no one seems to care. It’s gonna bankrupt us. It’s just a matter of time.”

Mandatory spending includes major federal programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as other benefits covering areas such as food assistance, unemployment insurance and disability.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the federal government spent approximately $4.2 trillion on mandatory programs in fiscal year 2025.

However, the recording did not specify which programs Paxton believes should face reductions.

The attorney general has maintained that he would protect Social Security, although his comments have prompted questions about whether other entitlement programs could be affected.

In a statement to AARP last month, Paxton said, “Seniors worked their entire lives and paid into Social Security with every paycheck. They earned these benefits, and Washington has no business cutting them. I’ll fight to protect Social Security for today’s retirees and keep that promise for our children and grandchildren.”

Talarico sharply criticized the remarks in a post on X, writing, “Ken Paxton plans to cut Social Security and Medicare, he’s telling seniors to ‘suck it up’ while he owns 15 homes and increases his net worth up to $27 million."

Ken Paxton blames media for leaked audio recordings

Responding to the latest recording, Paxton accused news organizations of presenting his comments selectively and misrepresenting his position on federal benefits.

“The fake news keeps spinning the same cherry-picked audio to mislead Texans and take my words out of context. I have never said I would take away entitlements from those who deserve or earned them,” Paxton said in a statement shared with The Independent.

The latest recording follows three earlier leaks from the same Washington fundraising event.

In previous clips, Paxton criticized the impact of a Republican convention on campaign polling, complained about Washington operatives influencing his campaign and identified the war in Iran and rising fuel prices as major challenges.