The Texas legislature votes to temporarily remove the attorney general
Republican Ken Paxton has been suspended from office until his Senate hearing
What: Reuters
The Texas attorney general and attorney general have been in the FBI’s sights for years, and now things could be narrowing for the Republican. The United States House of Representatives has initiated impeachment proceedings against Ken Paxton over allegations of corruption, among other things.
DrRepublican Attorney General and Texas Attorney General Joe Paxton is accused of corruption and has been temporarily relieved of office. On Saturday, the Republican-majority legislature of the US state voted by a clear majority for the so-called impeachment trial. Paxton was suspended from office until the Senate hearing.
In the vote, after several hours of debate, 121 MPs voted in favor of removing Paxton, 23 against and two abstained. The result was the sudden downfall of an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump. “The evidence is substantial. It’s troubling. Despite the clear vote, Paxton didn’t get it. What we just saw is illegal, immoral, and very unfair,” said Republican Rep. Andrew Elmer.
Trump announced on his online platform Truth Social that those who voted for Paxton’s impeachment were “radical left Democrats” and so-called RINOs – Republicans in name only. Paxton’s ultra-conservative party has repeatedly taken legal action against the policies of US President Joe Biden.
A parliamentary inquiry committee unanimously approved 20 charges against Paxton on Thursday on charges of corruption, misuse of public funds, perjury and obstruction of justice. According to the indictment, Paxton pressured his associates to protect a friend and financier from prosecution. In exchange, the financier of one of Paxton’s foreign relations allegedly got him a job and paid to work at Paxton’s home, according to the documents.
Paxton’s support fades
It was not clear at first when the Republican-majority Senate would bring him to trial. A two-thirds majority is required for Paxton’s permanent impeachment. The result of the operation is completely open. Recently, however, support for the 60-year-old has waned within his own Republican Party. Even Texas Governor Greg Abbott refused to support him before the vote. Abbott, also a Trump supporter, has to temporarily name a representative for Paxton.
Paxton noted on Friday that his office has sued the Biden administration nearly 50 times to reverse immigration, tax and environmental policies. Appointed Attorney General and Attorney General in Texas in 2014. In 2015 he was charged with financial fraud. Although the process is ongoing, he is confirmed to be in office in 2018 and 2022.
In 2020, members of his team pointed out his abuse of power. They were fired and later sued for wrongful dismissal. Earlier this year, Paxton settled the lawsuit, paying $3.3 million. His appeal to the state of Texas to advance the bill eventually led to a congressional inquiry committee and a vote to impeach him.
“Kick-off” is WELT’s daily news podcast. Top topic analyzed by WELT editors and today’s dates. Subscribe to the podcast at SpotifyAnd Apple PodcastAnd Amazon MusicAnd Google Podcast or directly via RSS feed.