Texas AG Ken Paxton Faces Backlash from Whistleblowers, Potential Federal Testimony

Whistleblowers Fight Back Against Paxton's Efforts to Avoid Deposition

Fighting against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's effort to halt court-ordered depositions, whistleblowers argue to the Supreme Court of Texas that Paxton is gaslighting to avoid testifying. In a response filed Tuesday, attorneys for four former high-ranking deputies said Paxton's push to settle without a deposition is disingenuous.

"Knowing that a government defendant could cut short litigation without admitting the claims or allowing them to be developed, while continuing to publicly smear plaintiffs and curtailing any effective relief, would only chill those whom the law was meant to safeguard," the whistleblowers' attorneys wrote.

Paxton's attorneys argued the case is unnecessary due to Paxton's willingness to concede a final judgment. The plaintiffs countered that without depositions, a future settlement may be at risk, and Paxton should not be allowed to avoid testifying.

Paxton's Tactics Criticized as "The Paxton Ploy"

The whistleblowers' attorneys criticized Paxton's tactics as a "new procedural rule solely for the benefit of public officeholders who have something to hide," coining the phrase "The Paxton Ploy." They also highlighted the settlement's impeachment scandal and the involvement of Nate Paul.

"It would be inequitable for the State’s judicial branch to assist its executive branch in engineering a judgment that its legislative branch views as a sham," the attorneys wrote.

Potential Federal Testimony for Paxton and Deputies

On Wednesday, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals released an order indicating that Paxton and his deputies may be forced to testify before a federal grand jury in San Antonio. The court ruled to lift a stay on testimony, citing concerns of attorney-client privilege.

Although Paxton's name is not mentioned, the nature of the proceeding and the timeline suggest the investigation involves his relationship with Nate Paul. Paxton's office declined to comment.

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Original article: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton May Be Forced to Testify Before Federal Grand Jury