President Donald Trump was repeatedly interrupted by protesters as he sought to rally Texas voters behind Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, with the US aggression against Iran, soaring fuel prices, and his own declining approval ratings creating mounting challenges for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
At least a dozen demonstrators on Wednesday night interrupted Trump’s remarks at a packed Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, with some escorted away by police.
One protester appeared to approach the stage, prompting Trump to briefly step away from the microphone.
“He’s going back home to mom,” Trump said after the interruption. “But what he doesn’t know is his mom voted for Trump.”
The disruptions came as Republicans are increasingly concerned about voters’ focus on the cost of living and the war on Iran, which has pushed fuel prices higher and contributed to a sharp decline in Trump’s approval ratings.
Trump’s third visit to Texas in less than a month was primarily aimed at strengthening Paxton’s Senate campaign as Republicans try to hold the seat and protect their Senate majority. But his remarks ranged well beyond the Senate race.
Officials in Tehran, meanwhile, have questioned whether Washington genuinely wants negotiations as the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its eighth month.
Trump defended the high cost of fuel as a consequence of the war on Iran and sought to clarify recent comments about the possibility of Iranian attacks on American cities.
“You want to see problems? Let them hit San Diego, let them hit Los Angeles,” Trump said. “We’re not going to let that happen. We protect our cities. We protect our country.”
Texas remains the most populous reliably Republican state, but the political landscape has shifted as voters confront higher living costs and rising fuel prices amid the US aggression against Iran.
The challenges extend beyond Texas, as Republicans are facing competitive races in traditionally red states.
Trump’s approval rating has fallen, and voters have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the economy and its illegitimate and unprovoked aggression against Iran.
Wednesday’s rally marked Trump’s third Texas visit in less than a month, while Republican officials have devoted more than $300 million to elections in the state.
The political pressure was also evident in the absence of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, a three-term governor who did not attend the rally. Texas Democrats quickly seized on his absence.
“For years, Greg Abbott has never been shy about embracing Donald Trump, calling Trump a ‘great friend’ and championing his agenda every step of the way,” said Texas Democratic Party spokesperson Jacob Long. “But now, as Texas families get crushed by record-high prices driven by Trump’s tariffs and war on Iran, suddenly Greg Abbott has somewhere else to be.”
The Senate contest has become a central battleground as Democrats seek to regain control of the chamber.
Texas has not elected a Democrat to the US Senate since 1988, but Democratic candidate James Talarico’s fundraising, Paxton’s political vulnerabilities, and Trump’s declining approval ratings have put the race under intense national scrutiny.
Recent polling has shown a close contest between Paxton and Talarico.
Trump described Paxton as “perhaps the greatest attorney general in the United States of America.”
“He was tough, and he was with us all the way,” Trump said. “He’s a fantastic man.”
However, Trump did not mention a recently leaked recording in which Paxton lamented the war on Iran and rising fuel prices while complaining that his campaign was being run by Washington operatives.
Paxton has faced criticism over the recording, while his campaign has disputed the characterization of his remarks.
Energy prices have risen sharply since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies. The resulting energy shock has put additional pressure on US gasoline and diesel prices.
The problem is particularly damaging politically because gasoline prices are highly visible to voters.
Research cited by Axios has found a direct relationship between rising gas prices and declining presidential approval, with the effect also extending to the president’s party.
An AP-NORC poll found that 71% of Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of Iran, while 65% said higher-than-usual prices were the direct result of his policies.
Republicans are now responding defensively in several competitive races across the country.
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