Trump endorses Ken Paxton while mocking his appearance and James Talarico’s eating in White House rant

Donald Trump used a White House appearance to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for Senate while delivering a string of personal criticisms and insults. He told voters Paxton was the best attorney general in the country despite saying Paxton "doesn't look so great" and criticizing his television interviews. Trump also attacked Democratic candidate James Talarico's diet and masculinity, repeating claims that Talarico doesn't eat meat and saying Talarico "eats meat, and then he goes outside and throws up."

What Trump said and how he framed it

Trump framed his endorsement around Paxton's record rather than his appearance. He said Paxton was "one of the best" state attorneys general and that his performance mattered more than his choice of suit or on-camera demeanor. At the same time Trump admitted the comments about Paxton's looks were "insulting to him" and invited laughter by dwelling on Paxton's style.

Trump then shifted to attacking the Democrat in the race. He used demeaning nicknames and described Talarico as "radical left." Trump repeated a line Republicans have used to question Talarico's appeal to Texas voters — that not eating meat is politically risky — and went further by alleging Talarico vomits after eating meat. The reporting notes that Talarico does eat meat, contradicting the basis of that line of attack.

Paxton has a record of actions targeting LGBTQ+ people in Texas. Working with Governor Greg Abbott, he has led legal and policy fights against gender-affirming care for minors and against institutions that adopt policies recognizing trans identities. Paxton's tenure has also been legally fraught: he was indicted on criminal securities fraud charges in 2015 and impeached by the Texas House for corruption in 2023. The state Senate later acquitted him.

The remarks blend a defense of Paxton's official record with personal mockery and partisan attacks on his opponent. For voters focused on policy, Trump's praise of Paxton's performance as attorney general is the core message. For voters sensitive to conduct and rhetoric, the insults and theatrical mockery may influence perceptions of both candidates and of the campaign tone.

The exchange highlights how endorsements and personal attacks are being used together in the 2026 Texas Senate contest. Paxton's record on LGBTQ+ issues and his prior legal troubles are central to reporting on the race. Opponents are using personal lines of attack against Talarico to question his electability in a state where cultural signaling on issues like meat and masculinity are politically salient.

This coverage is based on reporting by Molly Sprayregen for LGBTQ Nation, published Sept. 3, 2026.