Trump Pledges 'Free Oil' in Texas to Boost Republican Senate Candidate Ken Paxton

President Donald Trump held two rallies in Texas on Tuesday, including one in Corpus Christi, to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, the state's attorney general. During the event, Trump announced the arrival of 1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, pledging it would be provided to the United States at no cost to taxpayers.

"We have a little breaking news," Trump told the crowd, gesturing to the docked oil tanker Angerona. "See that little ship out there? That's got 1 million barrels of oil on it from Venezuela. And we're celebrating the greatest oil victory in history. To the victor belong the spoils, right?"

Paxton is facing a tight race against Democratic state Representative James Talarico in a state traditionally considered reliably Republican. Recent polls have indicated Paxton trailing, raising concerns among Republicans about the potential loss of the Senate seat. The campaign has also been impacted by high national gas prices, which have averaged $4.27 per gallon, and $3.71 in Texas, partly attributed to geopolitical conflicts.

Trump characterized Paxton as a strong leader and the best attorney general in Texas history. He also attacked Talarico, suggesting the Democrat had been absent for an extended period. Talarico had previously taken time off the campaign trail due to illness, which led to speculation that was later refuted.

Trump also criticized Talarico's dietary choices, referencing his reduced meat consumption and identifying him as a vegan. "He's never going to love meat and he's never going to love oil and gas and he's never going to love your Second Amendment and he's never going to love your children the way you do," Trump stated. "It's a different kind of love."

Paxton has also had to address past controversies, including an impeachment in 2023 and personal matters. Trump sought to bolster Paxton's image by highlighting his performance as attorney general.