Bannon blasts Trump campaign aides in Texas Senate showdown
Trump’s Texas Visit Stirs GOP Senate Primary Waters
When President Donald Trump makes his appearance in Texas on Friday at the Port of Corpus Christi, the expectation is that he will remain neutral in the contentious Republican Senate primary. Yet, the involvement of his 2024 campaign team with incumbent John Cornyn’s reelection effort is fueling tensions among pro-Paxton MAGA supporters.
Trump Team’s Involvement Sparks Intraparty Conflict
While Trump himself is not expected to publicly endorse any candidate in the primary race involving John Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt, the connections between Trump’s campaign team and Cornyn’s reelection bid have not gone unnoticed. Tony Fabrizio, Trump’s chief pollster, is aligned with Cornyn’s campaign, and Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser for Trump’s campaign, advises the pro-Cornyn super PAC Texans for a Conservative Majority.
Pro-Paxton MAGA advocate Steve Bannon has been vocal about his disapproval. From his North Texas ranch, Bannon broadcasted on his “War Room” show, stating, “My belief is the Trump team should have stayed out of this race, absolutely.”
Heated Responses and Unresolved Allegiances
When questioned about Bannon’s critique, Fabrizio did not respond. However, LaCivita fired back through a text to POLITICO, remarking, “Associating with Senator Cornyn is better than being a lacky for Epstein,” alluding to Bannon’s past interactions with the late Jeffrey Epstein. This reference comes after January’s Justice Department document release revealed Bannon’s communications with Epstein during a European political campaign initiative. Bannon, who previously called for an investigation into those files, chose not to comment on LaCivita’s retort.
The Republican Party’s Internal Struggle
This budding conflict is symbolic of larger ideological battles within the Republican Party. Bannon, an ardent supporter of Paxton, perceives the primary as a crucial moment for the MAGA movement’s future. He asserted to Playbook, “The Paxton situation is critical, because he has been the MAGA guy since Day One,” portraying Paxton as emblematic of the movement’s core values.
Official Neutrality Amid Campaign Dynamics
Despite the tensions, a White House official maintains that President Trump remains neutral, emphasizing that “John Cornyn votes with the President.” The official added, “We don’t regulate the business/political choices of private individuals — if they are a part of our world — in a race where the President is neutral.”
Conclusion: A Test for Republican Cohesion
As Trump heads to Texas, the unfolding dynamics of this Senate primary highlight the ongoing struggles within the Republican Party to reconcile its diverse factions. Whether Trump’s team will continue to play a part in these internal battles remains to be seen. Ultimately, this race may further define the contours of the GOP’s trajectory in the coming years.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/27/bannon-texas-senate-maga-00803314