Cornyn Lost Trump's Endorsement Due to Weak Support for SAVE Act and MAGA Movement
Source: M.D. Kittle. "Cornyn's Weak Fight For the SAVE Act Cost Him Trump's Support." May 20, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that Senator John Cornyn lost Trump's endorsement because he didn't fight hard enough for Trump's key voting legislation and criticized Trump when it was politically risky. Meanwhile, his opponent Ken Paxton showed he was willing to sacrifice his own campaign for Trump's priorities, proving he's a real fighter rather than just another establishment politician.
Conclusion
John Cornyn lost Trump's endorsement to Ken Paxton because he failed to strongly fight for Trump's priorities, particularly the SAVE Act, demonstrating he is an institutionalized RINO rather than a MAGA fighter
Premises
- Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Senate primary runoff
- Paxton was willing to sacrifice his Senate run by offering to drop out if leadership would pass the SAVE Act, while Cornyn only offered weak, late support
- Cornyn criticized Trump in 2023, saying 'President Trump's time has passed him by' and questioning his electability
- Trump's endorsements have been highly successful in recent GOP primaries, defeating establishment Republicans
- Republican primary voters consistently choose candidates who fight for the MAGA movement over institutionalized politicians
- The SAVE Act polls at 87% support including among Democrats, yet Senate leadership refuses to eliminate the filibuster to pass it
- Cornyn's late conversion to supporting filibuster elimination appeared opportunistic rather than principled
Assumptions
- Trump's endorsement is a reliable indicator of who truly supports his agenda
- Actions demonstrate commitment more than words or voting records
- Republican primary voters prioritize fighting spirit over institutional experience
- The SAVE Act represents a crucial test of loyalty to Trump's priorities
- Being willing to sacrifice personal ambition demonstrates authentic commitment to the cause