Texas AG Ken Paxton faces new fallout from leaked audio on federal spending cuts

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican Senate candidate, is facing new fallout from leaked audio of a private Washington fundraiser, where he discussed cutting mandatory federal spending programs to address the national debt. In the recording obtained by The Texas Tribune, Paxton told donors that reducing mandatory spending—which includes Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and totaled $4.2 trillion in fiscal 2025—is necessary to avoid bankruptcy. He blamed both parties for "crazy" spending but has stated he would not cut Social Security, accusing the media of taking his words out of context. The leak follows a separate recording from the same event where Paxton blamed President Trump's Iran war and rising gas prices for hurting his campaign. Despite public friction, including Trump mocking Paxton's appearance, both men exchanged praise at a recent rally, as Paxton remains tied with Democrat James Talarico in the polls.