Trump calls Jasmine Crockett’s Senate bid ‘gift’ for Republicans: 'She's a low IQ person'

WASHINGTON, DC: On Tuesday, December 9, aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump commented on Rep Jasmine Crockett’s announcement that she is running for the US Senate seat from Texas.

The seat is currently held by Republican Sen John Cornyn. Crockett made her announcement on Monday, setting up a Democratic primary against Texas state Rep James Talarico. 

On the Republican side, Cornyn will face a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Donald Trump comments on Jasmine Crockett's Senate bid

While responding to a reporter’s question about Crockett’s recent Senate bid, Trump criticized her, calling her a “low-IQ person” and adding, “I can’t imagine she wins.”

He further said, “Maybe she’ll get the Democratic nomination, but I think it’s a gift to Republicans."

"I’ve watched her for the last two years. I can’t even believe she’s a politician, actually,” he told reporters en route to a speech in Pennsylvania.

Cornyn also reacted to Crockett’s Senate entry, appearing pleased with the potential advantage for Republicans. 

He said, “I think she wins the Democratic primary, and she is the worst possible candidate they could have in Texas, She’s not electable."

“Am I hiding my glee? I’ll try to wipe the smile off my face. I would say it’s a gift,” Cornyn told Semafor in an interview. 

Jasmine Crockett's criticism of Donald Trump and Republicans

Crockett has gained national attention over the past year as an outspoken critic of Trump and the GOP.  Her campaign launch video featured audio clips of the president attacking her and previously questioning her IQ.

“Trump, I know you’re watching," Crockett said at her announcement event in Dallas. “You’re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. You better get to work because I’m coming for you.”

Crockett’s rising profile has drawn criticism for her pointed attacks on Republicans. 

She faced backlash for calling Marjorie Taylor Greene a “bleach-blonde, bad-built butch body” and for referring to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels.”

Crockett dismissed claims that she was out of step in the nation’s largest conservative state, saying she would mobilize voters who might otherwise stay home and citing examples of other Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, who pursued their goals despite skepticism.

“Turning Texas blue is what I want to talk to y’all about today,” she told the crowd in Dallas.

She further said, “Now, there are those who say, ‘Ain’t no way, we done tried this 50 kinds of ways.’ Let me be clear: Y’all ain’t never tried it the JC way.”