Obama Official Calls Out Trump’s FBI
Former Obama Attorney General Eric Holder is defending Texas Democrats who fled the state to block Republican-backed redistricting reforms — claiming the FBI has no legal power to force them to return.
Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday, Holder shot down calls from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Senator John Cornyn to have federal agents hunt down the absent lawmakers.
“Short answer — no,” Holder said bluntly. “These legislators are not hiding. The question is — what’s the federal jurisdiction? What statute has been violated? There is none.”
The Showdown in Texas
The controversy erupted after Democrat state House members staged a mass walkout last weekend to stop a GOP-led redistricting plan. Republicans argue the proposal will restore fairness to Texas elections and prevent Democrat gerrymandering — while critics on the left claim it could cost Democrats multiple seats in Congress.
By leaving Texas, Democrats effectively froze the legislative process, igniting fury among Republican leaders and voters.
Republicans Call in the FBI
On Thursday, Sen. Cornyn announced that FBI Director Kash Patel approved his request to assist in locating the missing Democrats.
Cornyn announced in a statement that FBI Director Kash Patel had granted his request for federal agents to work alongside state and local authorities to track down the absent Texas House Democrats.
Gov. Abbott doubled down, posting on X:
“Texas DPS and the FBI are tracking down the derelict Democrats. They will be taken directly to the Texas Capitol.”
Conservatives Call It a Dereliction of Duty
Republican leaders say the walkout is a blatant betrayal of Texas voters, accusing Democrats of abandoning their sworn responsibilities. Many Texans see this as part of a larger pattern of Democrats fleeing accountability when they can’t win a fair vote.
As the standoff continues, the outcome could have major implications for the 2026 midterms and the future political map of Texas — a state both parties see as crucial in the battle for control of Congress.
