Trump targets Republican rivals in 'revenge tour' ahead of primaries

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is intensifying his efforts to unseat Republican politicians he perceives as disloyal, a campaign strategy widely referred to as his "revenge tour."

Trump's latest target is incumbent Texas Senator John Cornyn, whom he is actively opposing in the upcoming Republican primaries. Trump publicly endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, praising him as a "GREAT Attorney General" and emphasizing Paxton's loyalty to him. In contrast, Trump characterized Cornyn as "VERY disloyal" to him during his presidency.

This move is part of Trump's broader push to influence Republican primaries across the country. His endorsements have seen success in recent contests in states like Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Georgia. Trump appears determined to prevent figures like Cornyn from potentially mirroring the fate of Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial and subsequently lost his primary.

Despite Trump's pressure, Cornyn, who has represented Texas since 2002, is campaigning on his ability to defeat the Democratic candidate, James Talarico, who has received support from former President Barack Obama.

In addition to his focus on Cornyn, Trump also criticized Republican senators, including Ted Cruz and Roger Wicker, for questioning his Iran policy. He further extended his support to Ty Masterson, the Kansas state Senate president, who is seeking to unseat the Democratic governor.