From Salon · Zach Despart · · 2m
Ken Paxton's Travel Costs Taxpayers Millions
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's security detail cost taxpayers $3.3 million for nearly 1,000 trips, with only 1 in 6 having stated business purpose.
In brief
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's security detail cost taxpayers $3.3 million for nearly 1,000 trips, with only 1 in 6 having stated business purpose. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's taxpayer-funded security detail cost $3.3 million over nearly 1,000 trips, with only 1 in 6 trips having documented business…
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was suspended after impeachment on charges of abusing his office for personal gain.
Travel Costs Taxpayers
Paxton's security detail cost taxpayers $3.3 million for nearly 1,000 trips since 2015.
Business Purpose Rate
Only 1 in 6 of Paxton's trips had stated business purpose according to analysis.
Travel Destinations
Paxton visited Hawaii, Utah, Florida, and Oklahoma for vacations and business.
Property Purchases
Paxton's family trust bought 15 properties with market value of $11 million.
Security Costs
Paxton's security costs were $24,300 per trip on average, far exceeding predecessors.
Impeachment Trial
Paxton was suspended for over three months after impeachment trial.
Tucker Carlson Interview
Paxton hinted at running for U.S. Senate in 2026 Republican primary after Carlson interview.
Security Detail Usage
Paxton used security detail for 82 more out-of-state trips than predecessor Greg Abbott.
Property Investments
Paxton bought a $315,000 lot in Salt Lake City and a $410,000 property in Hawaii.
Trust Ownership
Paxton's family trust owns 15 properties with market value of $11 million.
Security Costs Comparison
Paxton's security costs were $24,300 per trip vs. $7,400 for predecessor Greg Abbott.
Campaign Travel
Paxton traveled with security to tape Tucker Carlson show after impeachment acquittal.
Public Response
Experts say Paxton's travel costs are misuse of public funds for vacations and campaigns.
Trust Details
Paxton set up trust with estranged wife who filed for divorce in 2024.
Travel Records
Paxton's office did not provide records of trips without business purpose.
The key point
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's taxpayer-funded security detail cost $3.3 million over nearly 1,000 trips, with only 1 in 6 trips having documented business purposes.
