FBI Joins Hunt for Texas Dems as GOP Moves to Restore Quorum
Texas Democrats are under mounting pressure to return to the state as Republicans push for a quorum to advance key legislative measures Friday.
Dozens of state Democrats left Texas earlier this week to block a special session agenda that includes redrawing voting maps in a way that could give Republicans five more House seats. The session is also set to address funding for flooding victims and other issues, CBS 12
reported.
In an effort to compel Democrats back to Austin, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows sent a memo to House members requiring those who broke quorum to collect their paychecks in person. House leaders announced direct deposits will be suspended until a quorum is restored, meaning enough members must be present to conduct business.
On Thursday, the FBI agreed to assist in apprehending the Texas Democrats who fled to block the House from meeting, according to a top U.S. senator representing the state.
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers left Texas on Sunday, many traveling to Chicago, to stop a scheduled vote on redistricting and freeze all legislative activity during the special session. Their departure also allowed them to avoid potential arrest by state law enforcement.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Tuesday he had asked FBI Director Kash Patel to help state and local law enforcement locate and detain the Democrats
“I am proud to announce that Director Kash Patel has approved my request for the FBI to assist state and local law enforcement in locating runaway Texas House Democrats,” Cornyn said.
“I thank President Trump and Director Patel for supporting and swiftly acting on my call for the federal government to hold these supposed lawmakers accountable for fleeing Texas. We cannot allow these rogue legislators to avoid their constitutional responsibilities,” he added.
During a White House press conference Wednesday, President Trump was asked about Cornyn’s request.
“Well, they may have to,” he said of FBI involvement. “I know they want them back. The Governor of Texas is demanding they come back. So, a lot of people are demanding they come back. You can’t just sit it out. You have to go back. You have to fight it. That’s what elections are about.”
The move, along with actions from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has left political experts questioning the legality.
“The challenge is that there’s a political side to this and there’s a legal side to this,” said Joshua Blank of the Texas Politics Project.
Blank noted that federal involvement could trigger a constitutional crisis if agents attempt to force state lawmakers to return.
Paxton has given Democrats until Friday to return to the Capitol or face legal action. He has also filed a petition to remove Texas House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu from office.
The Democrats have been charged with a civil offense under Texas House rules, which experts say means the FBI does not have constitutional authority to make arrests in this case.
But Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), who is challenging Cornyn in a primary next year, didn’t think much of getting the FBI’s assistance. “This is a state issue. I don’t know what the FBI would have to do with this – nothing. This is a purely state issue,”
he said on a podcast.
Cornyn countered that “the FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines, including to avoid testifying or fleeing a scene of a crime.”
“Specifically, I am concerned that legislators who solicited or accepted funds to aid in their efforts to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses,” he added.
On Monday, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, signed civil arrest warrants for the absent lawmakers, and by Tuesday, only eight Democrats had returned to the Capitol. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the remaining members to return to Austin by Monday or face arrest and possible removal from office.
He instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety to detain them upon reentering the state and directed the Texas Rangers to investigate potential bribery charges.
12 Trump’s Emotional Collapse Reveals Dark Fear 1
Trump Admits Fears About Heaven, Ties Peace Efforts to His Spiritual Legacy
In a strikingly candid moment during an interview on Fox & Friends, former President Donald Trump admitted he sometimes worries about his eternal fate, saying he fears he may not “get to Heaven.” Trump, never one to shy away from discussing his image, legacy, or faith, tied his spiritual concerns directly to his global peace efforts, suggesting that his push to end international conflicts could be his pathway to salvation.
“I’ve been told I’m at the bottom of the totem pole,” Trump said with a half-smile, reflecting on how others view his spiritual chances. “Maybe I won’t make it [to Heaven]. But if I can stop wars, if I can save lives, that may be my way in.”
The unusual remarks came just hours after a high-profile White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. The discussions focused on charting a road map for peace in Ukraine, a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Trump revealed that he also held direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days, in what sources described as the “most serious diplomatic opening in years.”
A Spiritual Dimension to Politics
While Trump has often emphasized his deal-making skills and “America First” agenda, rarely has he framed his political efforts in terms of spiritual salvation. His comments seemed to blend the political with the personal, painting a picture of a leader who not only wants to secure a lasting legacy on Earth but also fears what awaits him in the afterlife.
“Peace is the greatest thing we can achieve,” Trump told the Fox hosts. “And when you’re talking about wars, when you’re talking about people dying, it’s bigger than politics. If I can stop even one of these wars, maybe God looks at me differently.”
For many, the idea of Trump publicly doubting his entry into Heaven came as a surprise. Throughout his presidency and post-presidency, Trump has frequently aligned himself with evangelical leaders, often emphasizing his support for religious liberty and conservative social causes. Yet, his statement marked a rare acknowledgment of self-doubt and vulnerability.
The Push for Peace
Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of significant diplomatic activity. At the White House, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Trump and European Union leaders to discuss a framework for ending hostilities. According to officials, the meeting produced what participants described as the “most substantive progress toward peace since the start of the conflict.”
Zelensky, who has been steadfast in rallying Western support for Ukraine’s defense, struck a cautiously optimistic tone. “We have seen many promises over the years,” he said. “But today, I believe there is a genuine chance to move forward, and I welcome President Trump’s engagement on this.”
Trump revealed he had also spoken directly with Putin, signaling the potential for direct U.S.-Russia talks to complement ongoing European negotiations. While details remain scarce, Trump suggested both sides were “closer than people think” to at least discussing a cease-fire.
European leaders, often skeptical of Trump’s unorthodox diplomatic style, acknowledged the momentum. French President Emmanuel Macron described the talks as “the most movement we have seen in years,” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called them “a glimmer of hope.”
Linking Peace Abroad With Legacy at Home
For Trump, the intersection of faith, legacy, and global politics may become increasingly central as he positions himself for a potential return to the White House. His comments suggest he sees diplomacy not only as a political imperative but also as a moral and even spiritual calling.
“People talk about money, about power, about elections,” Trump said. “But when you’re talking about Heaven, that’s the real test. And stopping wars, saving lives — that’s about as big as it gets.”
Critics, however, were quick to question Trump’s sincerity. Some opponents argued that his remarks were calculated to appeal to religious voters as election season looms. Others pointed to his past rhetoric and policies, suggesting his record does not align with his newfound concern for peace.
Still, even skeptics acknowledged that Trump’s willingness to insert his spiritual anxieties into a discussion of global diplomacy was unusual for any U.S. leader, let alone one known for his brash confidence.
The Broader Implications
Political analysts noted that Trump’s comments could serve multiple purposes: signaling seriousness to international partners, reinforcing his appeal to religious conservatives, and reshaping his image as a statesman seeking peace rather than conflict.
“Trump has always been about image, legacy, and branding,” said political analyst Sarah Matthews. “Now he’s linking those to the ultimate legacy — what happens after death. It’s both strategic and deeply personal, and it sets him apart from the usual political script.”
Religious leaders, meanwhile, offered mixed reactions. Some evangelicals praised Trump’s willingness to discuss eternal matters openly, while others cautioned against politicizing faith.
“It’s rare to hear a political figure admit uncertainty about Heaven,” said Pastor Mark Robinson of Dallas. “But the sincerity will be judged by actions, not words. If President Trump is truly committed to peace, that’s something we should all welcome.”
A Moment of Reflection
As the interview wrapped up, Trump seemed almost contemplative, a tone rarely associated with his public persona. “I don’t know if I get there,” he said softly, referring to Heaven. “But if I can stop a war, maybe that’s my ticket. Maybe that’s how I do it.”
For a man whose career has been defined by controversy, combativeness, and an unyielding confidence in his own abilities, the admission stood out. Whether a moment of genuine self-reflection or a carefully crafted message, it underscored Trump’s effort to tie his political future — and perhaps his eternal one — to the quest for peace.
