Ken Paxton Misstates America’s Anniversary at Trump Rally, Draws Swift Criticism

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made a notable error during a campaign rally with President Donald Trump on Tuesday in Corpus Christi, misidentifying the United States’ Independence Day anniversary. His opponent, Democratic state representative James Talarico, quickly highlighted the mistake, also taking aim at Paxton’s controversial Fourth of July trip to Europe.

Paxton’s Anniversary Error at Corpus Christi Rally

While introducing President Trump at the rally, the 63-year-old Republican incorrectly stated, “we celebrated the 200th anniversary of our country” in reference to the July 4 holiday earlier this year. The United States actually marked its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, as the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. The 200th anniversary was celebrated in 1976 under President Gerald Ford. Paxton’s slip quickly drew attention online, with video clips of the remark spreading among commentators.

Talarico’s Response Highlights Anniversary and Vacation Controversy

James Talarico, 37, who is running against Paxton for the U.S. Senate seat, responded swiftly on X by correcting the anniversary and referencing Paxton’s holiday abroad. He posted the video with the comment, “It was actually our 250th anniversary. Not that you would know—you spent it with the British.” This jab alluded to Paxton’s reported Fourth of July vacation in Europe, where he was seen in London near landmarks such as Westminster Bridge and the London Eye with Christian influencer Tracy Duhon, with whom he is reportedly romantically involved. Prior to the UK, Paxton and Duhon had visited Iceland.

Political Fallout from Paxton’s European Trip

The timing of Paxton’s vacation drew criticism from Talarico’s campaign and the Texas Democratic Party. Talarico’s campaign contrasted his own Fourth of July, spent in Texas with Willie Nelson, against Paxton’s European getaway, posting, “James Talarico spent the Fourth of July in Texas with American icon Willie Nelson. Ken Paxton spent the Fourth of July with the British.” Texas Democratic Party spokesperson Ryan Martin condemned the trip, stating, “The last place any patriotic Texan would be during the week of America’s historic 250th anniversary is vacationing in England.” Martin also criticized Paxton’s record and accused him of neglecting Texans struggling with basic needs while indulging in a lavish European vacation with his mistress.

Additional Speech Stumbles at Rally

Paxton’s anniversary mistake was not the only awkward moment during the Corpus Christi event. Video footage showed him mispronouncing the word “Christianity” twice within about ten seconds. Though verbal slips are common in political speeches, the combination of errors has added fuel to the ongoing criticisms around Paxton’s campaign.

Paxton’s campaign did not issue a comment regarding the anniversary misstatement or the ensuing criticism. Meanwhile, the attorney general remains legally married to Texas state Senator Angela Paxton, who filed for divorce last year. The couple has four children.

As the midterm elections approach, this series of gaffes and controversies may continue to shape voter perceptions in Texas and beyond.