Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took a dig at Joaquin Castro after the Democratic congressman named and shamed Trump supporters in his San Antonio district late Tuesday night.
“Perfect night for @BillMillerBarBQ,” Abbott posted on Twitter alongside photos of a hearty helping of beef brisket, coleslaw, and beans.
Bill Miller BBQ was one of several prominent Texas businesses that Castro pointed out as having donated to President Trump’s reelection campaign.
Perfect night for @BillMillerBarBQ pic.twitter.com/9bMV5Lk8Tx
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 7, 2019
“Sad to see so many San Antonians as 2019 maximum donors to Donald Trump,” Castro said. “Their contributions are fueling a campaign of hate that labels Hispanic immigrants as ‘invaders.’”
The tweet sparked widespread criticism from prominent Republicans and political pundits at a time when leaders of both parties have urged politicians to tone down the rhetoric.
Sad to see so many San Antonians as 2019 maximum donors to Donald Trump — the owner of @BillMillerBarBQ, owner of the @HistoricPearl, realtor Phyllis Browning, etc.
Their contributions are fueling a campaign of hate that labels Hispanic immigrants as ‘invaders.’ pic.twitter.com/YT85IBF19u
— Joaquin Castro (@Castro4Congress) August 6, 2019
Castro and fellow Texan Beto O’Rourke have called Trump racist and accused him of using language that inspired a mass shooting in El Paso over the weekend.
The gunman, who killed 22 people at a Walmart an injured dozens more, posted an anti-immigrant manifesto hours before the attack. Nearly half of those killed were Mexican nationals.
Trump, who on Wednesday is visiting first responders and victim families in El Paso, says the criticism from Castro, O’Rourke, and others is purely political.
“So my critics are political people, they’re trying to make points. In many cases they’re running for president and they’re very low in the polls,” Trump said. “It has nothing to do with President Trump. So, these are people that are looking for political gain.”
Abbott issued a statement on the El Paso shooting after it happened, saying hate has no place in the state of Texas.
“Our hearts will forever be with the people of El Paso,” he said. “We pray that God will touch all affected with the healing and hope only he can provide.”
