The President of the United States, Donald Trump, attacked the Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, after his electoral defeat to Democrat Gina Hinojosa. In a post on Truth Social, he accused him of becoming a "RINO" —an acronym for "Republican In Name Only"— and argued that this supposed shift in political orientation had cost him reelection.
"Had Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, not turned into a RINO in the last six months of his political life, he would not have lost," Trump wrote on his official account, according to the text of the post. "He returned to his original formula, and it wasn't pretty!" he added. The president did not explain in that message which decisions by Abbott motivated the accusation nor did he identify the political positions that, in his opinion, he would have abandoned.
Trump endorsed him for reelection just a few months ago
The reproach is striking given the public support that Trump himself had offered to the outgoing governor. On February 21, 2026, the president reiterated his "full and total" backing of Abbott and described him as a strong and respected leader, according to CBS News Texas.
In November 2025, he also backed and praised him for his involvement in redesigning the congressional district map of Texas, an initiative aimed at benefiting Republican candidates in the 2026 legislative elections. At that time, Trump asserted that Abbott was "an exceptional governor and man" who would not disappoint voters, according to The Texas Tribune.
Abbott, in power since 2015, has been one of the most visible Republican governors due to his border security policies and conservative positions. His actions have often aligned with Trump's agenda on various issues. Therefore, the new criticism signifies a public distancing, although the president did not specify what prompted this shift.
Gina Hinojosa brings an end to more than three decades of Republican dominance
The Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Greg Abbott in the elections held on Tuesday, November 3, according to projections released by the Associated Press. With this outcome, she became the first Latina woman elected governor of Texas and the first Democrat to win the position since Ann Richards in the 1990s. The results still have to undergo the usual certification process.
Hinojosa, the state legislator from Austin, managed to prevail over a governor seeking his fourth consecutive term, who started with significantly greater financial backing. Her campaign prioritized the cost of living, public education, and criticism of the influence of major economic interests in state politics, according to The Texas Tribune.
The setback for the Republican Party was not limited to the governorship. In the Senate election in Texas, James Talarico defeated fellow Republican Ken Paxton, who had the backing of Trump. CiberCuba reported on this victory, which ended nearly four decades without a federally elected Democratic senator from Texas.
What does it mean for Trump to call a Republican a "RINO"?
The acronym "RINO," which stands for "Republican In Name Only," is a term used in American political debate to disparage figures considered insufficiently loyal to the principles of the Republican Party or to one of its internal factions. Trump has used this expression to challenge other leaders within his own party.
His message against Abbott does not imply that the governor has changed parties: it is a political accusation from the president. The episode also contrasts with Trump's efforts to distance himself from the punitive vote suffered by his party during the midterm elections. In another post, the president stated that Republicans would have triumphed if he had been on the ballot.
Related videos:
Filed under: