Cornyn backs off plan to rename Texas highway after Trump
The retreat follows Trump’s endorsement of Cornyn’s primary rival, Ken Paxton, as Cornyn signals a more independent posture.
Quick Look
- John Cornyn is stepping back from efforts to rename a Texas highway for Donald Trump after Trump backed Cornyn’s primary opponent, Ken Paxton.
- Cornyn says he plans to be more vocal when he disagrees with Trump.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Cornyn sought Trump's support during a Texas Republican primary and promoted a proposal to rename U.S. Highway 287 as Interstate 47, a reference to Trump as the 47th president. After losing the race to Ken Paxton, Cornyn said the renaming may no longer be a priority.
Sen. John Cornyn is backing away from a plan to rename a Texas highway in honor of President Donald Trump after Trump backed Cornyn’s primary opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Cornyn had been seeking Trump’s support during the race and pushed legislation to rename U.S. Highway 287 to Interstate 47, a reference to Trump as the 47th president. After losing the primary, Cornyn said the renaming “may not make it into my priorities the next seven months,” according to Mediaite.
Even with Cornyn stepping back, another Texas roadway could still receive Trump’s name. Texas state Rep. Jared Patterson is pushing to rename the Dallas North Tollway after the president.
The renaming effort was not the only move Cornyn used to court Trump. He also posted a photo of himself reading Trump’s book, The Art of the Deal, on social media.
Paxton ultimately prevailed, helped by his support for the Save America Act. After his defeat, Cornyn posted the fable of the scorpion and the frog on X, writing: “The dying frog asks the scorpion why it stung despite knowing the consequence, to which the scorpion replies: 'I am sorry, but I couldn't help myself. It's my character,'” Cornyn wrote.
Cornyn recently told Hearst Newspapers that he plans to be more vocal on issues where he and Trump differ. That shift is already showing: on Tuesday, Cornyn joined fellow Republican senators Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski in opposing Trump’s pick for acting director of national intelligence, Bill Pulte. “I have yet to see any evidence that he meets that statutory requirement,” Cornyn said of Pulte.
Cornyn’s term ends in January, and he told Hearst Newspapers that he is “looking forward to working in the private sector” after his electoral loss.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Cornyn is likely to further distance himself from Trump on select issues before leaving office.
Likely · Within weeks
The highway-renaming proposal is likely to lose momentum in Cornyn's office.
Likely · Within weeks
A separate Texas effort to name a roadway after Trump may continue through Jared Patterson.
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Cornyn formally abandon the highway-renaming proposal?
- Will Jared Patterson's tollway renaming effort advance?
- How will Cornyn's break with Trump affect his final months in office?
