Trump brands Talarico 'Talafreako' and mocks Jesus claim at Texas rally, as Paxton's bicentennial blunder draws fresh ridicule

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 October 2026.

Trump held a Lubbock rally for Senate hopeful Ken Paxton, attacking Democrat James Talarico as 'Talafreako' and claiming Jesus would 'promote sex changes for little children,' after Paxton was widely mocked for telling a crowd America celebrated its 200th anniversary on July 4.

Opponent Talarico twisted the knife over Paxton's gaffe, noting Paxton spent July 4 in London — 'not that you would know, you spent it with the British.'

Social media piled on, with one commentator writing 'could they have nominated anyone stupider?' and another joking 'I remember that day of our nation's birth in 1826.'

Trump's Lubbock appearance was briefly disrupted by loud noises that visibly startled him, prompting him to pause and ask the crowd 'is that okay?'