U.S.THE INTERVIEW

Trump lashes out at Republicans as Ken Paxton struggles in Texas

Trump singled out Karl Rove and Sen. John Cornyn as Paxton, his endorsed candidate, looks to be in a tight race against Democrat James Talarico; blame is not a campaign plan.

On air: Hank Ledger on BBN Tonight
Published 9:18 PM ET, Thursday, October 15, 2026

From the show

Interviews“My advice to him is also my advice to me, so technically it's a bundle.”Cornelius Abernathy-Voss▶ Full · 1:41Ken Paxton's Dubai Party: $4,000-an-Hour Consultant Was There TooInterviews · Oct 12

At a glance

First reported by Politico: “Trump lashes out at Republicans as Ken Paxton struggles in Texas”.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 9:18 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger.
Topics: Ken Paxton, Republicans, Texas, Trump.
BBN covered this story before: Paxton partied in Dubai with fraud fugitives, suit says (October 15).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

PoliticoTrump lashes out at Republicans as Ken Paxton struggles in Texas

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTonight the president lashed out at Republicans, including Karl Rove and Senator John Cornyn, as his endorsed candidate Ken Paxton looks to be in a tight race with James Talarico.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorJoining me is Yolanda Achterberg of Hollowell Brisk Advisory, who bills four thousand dollars an hour. So, why is a tight race a problem?
Yolanda AchterbergAt four thousand an hour, let me simplify: when two candidates are close, neither of them is far ahead. That is the insight.
Yolanda AchterbergThe invoice follows.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo the president is angry at people who are not running, because his candidate is not winning comfortably. Is that a strategy?
Yolanda AchterbergAt four thousand an hour, let me simplify: yelling at the neighbors does not fix your own lawn.
Yolanda AchterbergI would normally charge extra for that one.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorExtra.
Yolanda AchterbergThe stapler is gold, Hank. Somebody has to pay for it.
Yolanda AchterbergAnd a candidate who attacks Karl Rove loses roughly one Karl Rove, which is plenty.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorBut I asked you whether this helps Paxton. Does it help Paxton, yes or no?
Yolanda AchterbergAt four thousand an hour, let me simplify: a man who is behind should try to get ahead.
Yolanda AchterbergI will send the deck, and the deck is one slide.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorOne slide that says get ahead.
Yolanda AchterbergWith a second slide for the appendix, which says the first slide again, larger. That is the premium package.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorMs. Achterberg, what has this conversation cost me so far?
Yolanda AchterbergAt four thousand an hour, let me simplify: the meter started at your first question, and it is still running, so please keep asking.