Ken Paxton Faces Mounting Criticism and Pushback Amidst Impeachment Trial

Critics of the acquittal of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his impeachment trial are accusing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of rigging the trial, while Patrick denies the allegations. House Speaker Dade Phelan wrote an op-ed accusing Patrick of bias, prompting a lengthy response from Patrick on Twitter. Some GOP senators are circulating a statement defending Patrick's role and denying his influence over jury deliberations. Meanwhile, Paxton has returned to work and his allies are calling for Phelan's resignation. The impeachment trial has deepened divisions within the Texas GOP.