Trump Considers Ken Paxton for Cabinet Position Amid Legal Controversies
Amid potential cabinet appointments, President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Ken Paxton, the impeached Texas Attorney General, for a significant role in his administration.
According to a report by CNN on November 7, Paxton is among the possible candidates to head the Justice Department. Other names under consideration include Utah Senator Mike Lee and former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker.
In May 2023, Paxton faced impeachment by the Texas House of Representatives. The vote came after allegations surfaced accusing him of using his official position to benefit Nate Paul, a prominent real estate developer and Republican donor. Paul allegedly secured employment for a senate aide involved in an affair with Paxton, who, in return, purportedly hindered state probes into Paul’s business activities.
Eight high-ranking employees from Paxton’s office reported these alleged quid pro quo actions to federal authorities in 2020. Following this, Paxton was accused of retaliating by terminating the whistleblowers. They subsequently filed a wrongful termination suit, leading to a $3.3 million settlement agreement in 2023.
Paxton stands as the third Texas official to face impeachment, following the impeachment of Governor Jim Ferguson in 1917 and a district judge in 1975. However, the Texas Senate did not convict him, allowing Paxton to retain his position.
Previous allegations of corruption have also been directed at Paxton. A Texas grand jury indicted him in July 2015 on charges of securities fraud and failing to register as a financial adviser. The accusations involved his role in attracting investors to a tech company without disclosing potential personal financial benefits. This case remains unresolved.
In his defense, Paxton stated in 2015, “I am innocent of these charges. It is a travesty that some would attempt to hijack our system of justice to achieve political ends they could not accomplish at the ballot box.”
Paxton has also been a vocal supporter of Trump’s unfounded claims regarding the 2020 presidential election. He petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020 to overturn President Joe Biden’s victory, a request the court declined. This action prompted the State Bar of Texas to investigate whether Paxton’s actions constituted professional misconduct.
As Trump prepares to announce his Attorney General and cabinet selections, Paxton’s potential appointment continues to garner attention.
