Trump blasts Greg Abbott's silence over Texas AG Ken Paxton's impeachment
Former President Donald Trump accused Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of missing in action on Sunday — claiming Abbott failed to defend the Lone Star State’s embattled attorney general who was impeached this weekend.
Trump, 76, has forcefully backed Texas AG Ken Paxton as the Republican official is embroiled in a corruption scandal.
Paxton was impeached by the Republican-led state House of Representatives on 20 articles that include bribery and abuse of public trust.
Abbott, the GOP governor since 2015, has remained silent on the impeachment, which led Trump to vocalize his frustration.
“MISSING IN ACTION! Where is the Governor of Texas on his Attorney General’s Impeachment,” Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday evening.
Trump has voiced support for Paxton in other posts, calling the process taken by the state House “very unfair.”
Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton reads a statement at his office in Austin, Texas, Friday, May 26, 2023. AP
Paxton was impeached by Texas lawmakers by an overwhelming vote of 121-23.
Trump was impeached twice as president, but the US Senate then voted to acquit him.
Paxton, 60, will be temporarily removed from his office but will have a chance to fend off a permanent ouster in the state Senate.
The final removal of Paxton requires two-thirds of lawmakers in that chamber to vote against Paxton.
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks on the north steps of the State Capitol in March. AP
“No one person should be above the law, least not the top law officer of the state of Texas,” Republican state Rep. David Spiller said.
Paxton has said he has “full confidence” going into the Senate trial. Meanwhile, Abbott has the power to appoint an interim replacement.
Paxton has served for three terms as AG.
With Post wires
Source: New York Post
