President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized Texas Democrat James Talarico in a Truth Social post, claiming that he “allowed” the state lawmaker to defeat Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) in the state’s Senate Democratic primary.
Trump attacked Talarico as “a FRAUD” and accused him of promoting “six Genders” while also asserting that his political operation had withheld damaging information during the contest.
The president said Talarico “beat Low IQ Candidate Jasmine Crockett” and added that he was a “weak, ineffective guy who we ‘allowed’ to win.”
The post marked the first time Trump has targeted Talarico in a Truth Social post. Talarico is a Democratic lawmaker who has gained national attention for his outspoken criticism of Republican policies and his focus on education and cultural issues.
In the same post, Trump attacked another Democratic foe in Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), saying Talarico is the worst candidate since Newsom.
“I believe that any human being running against him, sick, incompetent, close to death or, even a child, would win. He may be the Worst Candidate I have ever seen, other than, of course, Gavin Newscum who admitted that he suffers from mental incapacity, is unable to read a speech, and is dumb but, in saying “the dumb comment,” referred to his audience, and therefore became, in the eyes of African Americans, A TOTAL RACIST — which is probably true!”
Trump’s post about Talarico came just hours after he wrote a post calling democrats the “greatest enemy” of America.
Trump’s take on Talarico appeared to suggest a strategic calculation ahead of a high-profile race, where Republicans are expected to field a strong candidate, possibly Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) or Attorney General Ken Paxton, depending on how the field develops.
By elevating Talarico as a perceived weaker opponent, Trump implied Democrats could be at a disadvantage in the general election matchup.
In past interviews, Trump expressed confidence in the electability of both GOP candidates, saying he thinks either would win against a “weak” Talarico.
Trump has frequently used his social media platform to weigh in on Republican primaries and general election matchups, often endorsing candidates he views as aligned with his political agenda or strategically advantageous.
The race for Texas’s Senate seat that has caught the eyes of Trump reflects broader national stakes, with Republicans seeking to maintain or expand control in Congress while Democrats aim to capitalize on competitive urban districts.
Paxton and Cornyn are set for a runoff election in May as neither was able to secure more than 50% of the vote in the primary. Trump has teased an endorsement but has yet to do so.
DEMOCRATS LAMBASTE TRUMP’S RESPONSE TO ROBERT MUELLER’S DEATH
Trump’s post is not the first time Talarico has caught flak from the GOP, with Republicans mocking the Senate nominee after he promoted scaling back on meat consumption. In past campaigns, Talarico said his campaign went vegan to fight climate change.
In response to the vegan allegations from Republicans, his campaign team posted a photo of Talarico eating cooked meat by hand as fried foods lay on the table in front of him. No words were included in the press release.