Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton fundraises off Trump's support amid impeachment trial

Suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday began fundraising off of former President Donald Trump's support for the embattled state official who is facing possible removal from office after the Texas House on May 27 overwhelmingly voted to impeach him on several charges, including bribery and abuse of office.

"I'm happy to have the support of President Donald J. Trump in my fight," Paxton posted on X. "I need your help today to finish this week strong."

Trump, who has mostly remained silent about Paxton's impeachment during the trial, on late Wednesday voiced his support for the three-term Republican attorney general ahead of what could be the final days of the impeachment proceeding in the Texas Senate.

More: Who are the key players in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment trial?

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform late Tuesday that Paxton "was easily re-elected last November, but now establishment RINOS are trying to undo that Election with a shameful impeachment." RINOs refers to Republicans in name only, which some party members call people they deem not conservative enough.

Trump called Paxton one of the "toughest" and "best" attorney generals and said "Democrats are feeling very good right now as they watch, as usual, the Republicans fight" each other.

Later that morning, Paxton in a post on X thanked Trump and said he was "happy" for the support.

Trump was impeached twice during his time as president and was acquitted both times.

Paxton's impeachment trial began Sept. 5. The attorney general could be removed from office if he's found guilty on any one of the 16 impeachment charges filed against him. Two-thirds support, or 21 of 30 members, of the Senate will be required to find Paxton guilty on any charge. Senators could then take another vote to permanently bar Paxton from holding elected office in the state.

The trial continued Thursday with Paxton's defense lawyers calling several current top-level officials from the attorney general's office to the stand to lay out their case. Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Ken Paxton impeachment trial: Texas AG fundraises off Trump support