Key facts
- Donald Trump's campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, was disrupted by at least six protesters.
- Trump urged voters to support Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
- Trump made remarks about Iran potentially attacking San Diego or Los Angeles.
- A poll showed James Talarico leading Ken Paxton 51% to 45% among likely Texas voters.
- Trump's approval rating was 32% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed Monday.
Donald Trump's campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday was marred by repeated disruptions from protesters. At least half a dozen demonstrators interrupted the US president's remarks, with some being removed by police. One protester was physically assaulted by a Trump supporter. Trump briefly paused his speech and later mocked the demonstrators, claiming they were paid by 'enemies of our nation'.
During the rally, Trump also addressed recent controversial comments where he appeared to suggest Iran could attack US cities. He stated, 'Let them hit a missile into San Diego or Los Angeles on the way... and you want to see some bad things happen.'
The rally was part of a broader Republican effort to secure victories in Texas for the upcoming midterm elections. Trump endorsed Ken Paxton, the state's attorney general, for the Senate. Paxton, who appeared on stage, thanked Trump for his support, with Trump praising him as 'perhaps the greatest attorney general in the United States of America.'
However, the Republican campaign in Texas faces challenges. A recent New York Times/Siena College poll showed Democratic candidate James Talarico leading Paxton 51% to 45%. Trump's own approval rating has also declined, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing it at 32%.
Trump also attacked Talarico, referring to him as 'Tala-freako' and making unsubstantiated claims about his personal life. The absence of Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who was attending another event, was noted by Democrats as significant, given his close ties to Trump and his own competitive re-election race.