Trump's Texas rally interrupted by repeated protests
Protesters repeatedly disrupted Donald Trump's rally in San Antonio as he urged Texans to back Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Polls suggest Republicans face an unexpectedly strong Democratic challenge in the state.
A campaign rally held by US President Donald Trump in San Antonio on Wednesday was repeatedly disrupted by protesters as he called on Texas voters to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
At least six demonstrators interrupted the president's speech, and police escorted some of them out. One man was physically attacked by an older Trump supporter while trying to leave the arena. Trump briefly stepped back from the microphone when a protester appeared to approach the stage. Supporters in cowboy hats and chanting "USA" drowned out some of the demonstrators, while the president told them to leave and claimed, without evidence, that they were paid by enemies of the country.
Trump also addressed his recent remarks that seemed to suggest Iran could destroy Los Angeles or San Diego, which drew widespread condemnation from Democrats. He said the US would protect its cities and would not let that happen.
A tight race in Texas
It was Trump's third visit to Texas in less than a month, as Republicans pour money into races they had expected to win comfortably in the November midterms. Trump endorsed Paxton in the Republican primary after turning against incumbent senator John Cornyn. At the rally, Paxton thanked the president and promised victory.
The Republican effort to keep control of the Senate is increasingly focused on Texas, where Democrat James Talarico has become a serious threat. A New York Times/Siena College poll shows Talarico ahead of Paxton 51% to 45% among likely voters. Texas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988. Although Trump carried the state by nearly 14 percentage points in 2024, a Reuters/Ipsos poll puts his approval rating at 32%.
Trump spent much of the rally attacking Talarico, making claims about him without evidence. Republican governor Greg Abbott, who faces his own competitive re-election race, did not attend; he was due at a hospital dedication instead. According to the Associated Press, Republicans have now committed more than $300m to Texas elections.
