Senator John Cornyn of Texas expressed frustration over delays in reimbursement for border security spending, which he claims amounts to over $10 billion. In an interview, Cornyn stated that he communicated to fellow senators that his vote on President Donald Trump’s immigration spending bill would depend on the release of these funds. He received a response from White House budget director Russ Vought, indicating that funding would be addressed.
Cornyn is also positioning himself as a key vote for Trump’s attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche, while maintaining a critical stance on Trump’s policies, including the Iran deal. He is organizing a fundraiser for several Senate candidates but has decided not to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who defeated him in the GOP primary.
Expressing concern about the upcoming midterm elections, Cornyn noted that Republicans face challenges in several states where they should be performing better. He speculated that Trump’s endorsement of Paxton was partly a reaction to his own support from Senate leadership. Cornyn’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some Republicans who feel alienated from the party’s current direction under Trump.
Cornyn has distanced himself from Trump, stating that conversations with the president are often unproductive due to Trump's unpredictable nature. He criticized the chaotic approach of Trump’s leadership style, contrasting it with his own preference for stability. Despite his criticisms, Cornyn indicated that he does not intend to undermine the president and remains open to supporting certain nominations, pending further information.