Texas lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a THC ban during a special session, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick advocating for a complete ban, but facing veto threats from Gov. Greg Abbott. Proposed restrictions on hemp-derived products were considered but would have severely impacted the industry, leading to a deadlock and the session's conclusion without new legislation.
Dan Patrick alleges that ESPN launched a smear campaign against him after he left the network in 2007 to start his own show, which he credits with empowering him and leading to a successful independent career. Despite initial struggles, his show has become nationally syndicated and streaming on Peacock, with plans to continue until 2027.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized Gov. Greg Abbott for vetoing a bill that would ban THC products, arguing for a full prohibition despite the governor's concerns about legal challenges and calls for regulation. The disagreement highlights a rare public split between two leading Republicans in Texas, with ongoing debates over how to regulate or ban THC products amid political and public pressure.
Dan Patrick criticizes Rory McIlroy for avoiding media interactions, arguing that it damages his image as a golf ambassador and that athletes owe the public some engagement, especially after significant wins like the Masters.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has pledged to pass a bill requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, following a similar move by Louisiana. Patrick criticized House Speaker Dade Phelan for previously blocking the bill and vowed to reintroduce it in the next legislative session. The bill has faced opposition for potentially violating the separation of church and state.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized President Biden's leadership, blaming him for a trail of "death" domestically and internationally, citing the border crisis and Mideast attacks. Patrick slammed Biden's opposition to Texas law enforcement securing the border and highlighted the deadly consequences of his administration's policies, including the recent drone strike killing three service members. He expressed confidence in Biden being replaced by former President Trump in the upcoming election and emphasized the need for border security measures to combat cartels and smuggling operations.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick defends the state's actions in pushing back against the Biden administration's border policies, citing the need to protect against illegal crossings and criticizing the administration's handling of the recent drowning incident involving migrants. Patrick accuses the administration of having an open border and allowing dangerous individuals to enter the country, while emphasizing Texas's legal authority to safeguard its borders. Tensions between Texas and the federal government have escalated, with the Biden administration accusing Texas of obstructing Border Patrol access, and Texas officials criticizing the administration's immigration policies.
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.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick defended taking $3 million from a group supporting Ken Paxton ahead of Paxton's impeachment trial, stating that he also received a similar amount from donors aligned with Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), which Paxton considers a political enemy. The funding controversy arose as Patrick presided over the trial, and he had little need for the money as he is not up for reelection until 2026 and already had substantial funds. While some of Patrick's largest donors were TLR allies, others were not, and Patrick clarified that not all TLR supporters were anti-Paxton.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, known for his political influence and ability to get his way, is facing a challenging test as the Republican-dominated Senate prepares to decide whether to permanently remove fellow Republican and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Patrick's handling of the impeachment trial is being closely watched, with concerns about his potential bias and political alliances. The trial rules issued by Patrick's Senate have raised optimism among Paxton's skeptics, but Patrick's acceptance of $3 million in funding from a pro-Paxton group has fueled speculation about his intentions. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for Patrick's legacy and political career.
Texas A&M University professor Joy Alonzo was suspended and investigated after criticizing Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick during a lecture on the opioid crisis. A student accused Alonzo of disparaging Patrick, leading to a swift response from university officials. The investigation sparked criticism from colleagues and free speech advocates, highlighting concerns about political interference in classroom discussions and university management. Ultimately, the investigation found no wrongdoing, and Alonzo was allowed to retain her job. This incident follows the recent resignation of Texas A&M's president over backlash to the halting of a journalism professor's hiring due to political motivations.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has issued a sweeping gag order ahead of the impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate, citing concerns that "out-of-court statements" by both sides could jeopardize the trial's impartiality. The order prohibits parties involved from making statements that could prejudice the trial, including opinions on the articles of impeachment, statements about witnesses, and information about evidence. Violators can face contempt of court charges and penalties. The gag order follows weeks of tension between the two camps, and critics argue that it further obscures the impeachment deliberations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed eight bills in the last three days, five of which originated in the Senate, as he follows through on his threat to veto a large number of bills in the absence of a House-Senate compromise on property taxes. The governor has three more days to veto legislation before those bills from the regular session become law, with or without his signature. The House and Senate have yet to find a mutual agreement on the issue as they differ on how exactly to make property tax cuts.
Despite winning their first NBA championship, the Denver Nuggets and their star player Nikola Jokic continue to be disrespected by national media figures such as Skip Bayless and Dan Patrick. Bayless questioned whether Jokic was better than Joel Embiid, despite Jokic's impressive playoff performance and MVP awards. Patrick's radio show asked a misguided poll question about Jokic's enthusiasm for winning the championship, despite viral videos of Jokic celebrating with his family. These actions are seen as disrespectful and not cool.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has signed the "dead suspect loophole" legislation, which was overwhelmingly passed by both chambers nine days earlier in the final stretch of the regular session. The bill was the only one that had yet to go to the governor's desk. The legislation relates to an exception in the Texas Public Information Act giving law enforcement discretion to withhold details in closed criminal cases when the suspect does not go through the court process.
