Photo: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Donald Trump says the FBI "may have to" get involved in locating and arresting Texas Democrats who fled the state to block GOP redistricting efforts backed by the president.
Dozens of Texas Democrats fled the state on Sunday (August 3) to block House Republicans' proposed redraw of the congressional map. The move has left the chamber without the two-thirds quorum needed to vote on the new maps.
Republicans have attempted to bring Democrats back to the state by signing civil arrest warrants and mobilizing state troopers. Governor Greg Abbott also ordered the Texas Rangers to launch an investigation into possible bribery charges related to how the Democrats are paying for their quorum break, alleging that anyone who financially assisted them in leaving the state could be culpable.
In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Republican Senator John Cornyn requested the agency "take any appropriate steps to aid in Texas state law enforcement efforts to locate or arrest potential lawbreakers who have fled the state."
During a press conference on Tuesday (August 5), Trump fielded questions over whether the FBI should get involved in efforts to bring Texas Democrats back to the state.
"Well, I think they have abandoned the state. Nobody has seen anything like it even though they've done it twice before. And in a certain way it almost looks like they've abandoned the state. It looks very bad," Trump told reporters.
When pressed again on whether the FBI should get involved, the president responded: "Well, they may have to. They may have to."
Democrats are attempting to stall the proposed redraw as it would effectively give Republicans an additional five seats in the House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Lawmakers have argued that the new map will also suppress voters of color and is a blatant power grab orchestrated by Trump to maintain control in Washington.
On Tuesday, Abbott requested that the Texas Supreme Court remove House Democratic Caucus chair Gene Wu, one of dozens of lawmakers who fled to Illinois.
"My purpose has been clear from the start: to serve my constituents and fight for what's right, no matter the cost. You will find that my commitment to the people of Texas is unbreakable," Wu said in a statement in response to Abbott's petition to the court.
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