President Donald Trump encountered hecklers during a rally in San Antonio on Wednesday, where he was campaigning for Texas GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton. As he criticized Paxton's Democratic opponent, James Talarico, the crowd erupted, prompting Trump to pause and suggest the disruptors were not spontaneous protesters but rather hired provocateurs.
According to the Associated Press, a man in a MAGA hat grabbed another demonstrator by the scalp and pulled him to the ground, leading Trump to quip, "Is there anything like a Trump rally?" The scene intensified as more protesters shouted, with some approaching the stage. Rally attendees physically pushed the demonstrators out, while Trump mocked them, calling them "really bad-looking people" and joking about one protester's weight.
Trump then asserted, "Many of these protesters are paid. You know that, right? They're paid by enemies of our nation." He later invited any "paid protesters" to raise their hands and "get the hell out" of the venue.
The rally came amid a tough Senate race in Texas, where the GOP faces unexpected competitiveness. Trump's presence was part of a broader effort to boost Paxton, who is locked in a tight contest against Talarico.
Beyond the disruptions, Trump used the platform to reiterate controversial remarks he made earlier in Nebraska, suggesting Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego. "Let them hit a missile into San Diego or Los Angeles on the way," he said. "You want to see a horror show? Let them hit San Diego. Let them hit Los Angeles."
These comments drew immediate backlash from California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who called for invoking the 25th Amendment, and a chorus of lawmakers and mayors demanding an apology. The White House defended Trump's original statement, arguing that his administration prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons, thus keeping cities safe.
Trump's approval rating has sunk to 32 percent, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, a record low that has cast doubt on GOP prospects in the upcoming midterms. He has urged voters to treat the elections as if he were on the ballot, a strategy that has not fully resonated with a restless electorate.
The rally in Texas, a state that has become a key battleground, underscored the political stakes. Trump's combative style and unsubstantiated claims about paid protesters reflect his ongoing efforts to energize his base, even as his popularity wanes nationally.
