Texas Sen. John Cornyn told Ed O’Keefe he supported President Trump’s decision to strike Iran and praised the “political courage” it took. Cornyn said he spoke with the president on Air Force One before the strike and that both he and Sen. Ted Cruz were supportive of the action.
Cornyn described the strike as a complex operation that involved B-2 bombers flying from Missouri and dropping bunker busters down the ventilation shaft of a nuclear weapons program, calling the mission “nothing short of miraculous.” He said he respects Trump’s commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, calling that outcome an “unmitigated disaster” that would change everything in the Middle East. Cornyn also emphasized Iran’s record as a major state sponsor of international terrorism.
On the possible death of the Ayatollah and the repercussions for Iran and the region, Cornyn said it’s the “$64,000 question.” He suggested the strike, and the political turmoil in Iran, could represent an opportunity for the Iranian people — the first since 1979 — to pursue self-determination. He noted the regime’s recent violent repression, saying around 30,000 people had been killed in recent weeks in unrest he described, and said the U.S. should look for ways to support Iranians seeking change.
War powers and oversight
Cornyn acknowledged there will be debate in Congress over war powers and whether a new authorization for the use of military force is necessary. He noted the long history of tension between presidents citing Article II authority and members of Congress seeking to assert their role, including through the War Powers Resolution. Cornyn said plans for strikes were kept quiet for operational reasons, and he expects colleagues to press for war powers resolutions or debates. He pointed out that Congress retains the power of the purse but questioned how many members would cut off funding while American interests or troops were at risk.
Domestic politics and focus
While Trump has been focused on foreign affairs, Cornyn said he and the administration continue to care about domestic issues such as inflation, affordability, and energy dominance. He highlighted Corpus Christi and liquefied natural gas exports, noting energy is a key part of Texas’s economy and geopolitics. He said the president wants to talk about domestic policy — including a Working Family Tax Cuts Bill — but sometimes world affairs intervene.
Why Cornyn is running
Cornyn explained two reasons he’s seeking another six-year Senate term: he enjoys the job and believes he can be effective for Texas, citing recent work to secure federal reimbursement for state border security spending; and he wants to avoid harming the Republican Party by risking the Texas Senate seat. He warned that if Attorney General Ken Paxton is the nominee, Paxton could lose the race and imperil down-ballot Republican chances in key states, creating a “crack in the red wall.” Cornyn said staying in the race is partly to prevent resources being diverted to salvage an unelectable nominee.
On primary dynamics, endorsements, and age
Cornyn said he generally avoids endorsing in contested primaries because it makes many voters upset, and he understood why President Trump has stayed out of the Texas GOP primary so far. Asked whether Paxton could cost Republicans the seat, he said there was “no question” a Paxton nomination would put the seat and down-ballot races at risk.
When confronted with calls for a generational shift — opponents arguing Cornyn has been in public service too long — Cornyn pointed out he has delivered wins for Texas and helped down-ballot races, and he dismissed age-only critiques as “insulting.” He predicted his opponents would force a runoff but said he was confident Republican primary voters would choose the candidate who could win statewide.
What it means to be a Republican in 2026
Cornyn said Republican primary voters want candidates who will support the president — noting he has voted with Trump “99.3% of the time” — and who are strong on border security. He described his record on border issues, including endorsements from the National Border Patrol Council, and said these issues, along with kitchen-table matters, define Republican priorities.
He said voters should participate in elections rather than give up on government, arguing that civic participation is the way to change government and preserve the freedoms and opportunities that define the country.
On Texas and misperceptions
Asked about misperceptions of Texas, Cornyn said the state is diverse and not just “tumbleweeds and horses.” He described Texas as home to a large Hispanic population and many people from around the world, proud of being Texans. He noted economic opportunity and migration from other states as evidence of Texas’s appeal.
Outlook
Cornyn said he expects debates in Congress over war powers but also emphasized the need to support the Iranian people’s pursuit of self-determination. He returned repeatedly to the themes of national security, border control, and preserving Republican electoral strength, while urging voter participation as the best remedy for dissatisfaction with government.