THE "NAIVE" ASSESSMENT

Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn publicly attacked Donald Trump's "precision" and knowledge of border security.

"This idea that all you can do is build some obstacle and people won't come over it... is naive."

"That’s certainly not my sense." — On if Trump understands the border issue.

Awaiting MP4: cornyn_no_sense_2017.mp4

Source: The Hill (Jordain Carney Reporting)

Feb 2017 // Hit 02

PRIMARY POLICY REJECTION

Days after Trump took office, Cornyn shredded the core campaign promise to build a wall across the Texas border.

"There are parts of the border where a wall makes absolutely no sense."

Cornyn cited geographic reality and private property rights as non-negotiable obstacles to Trump's signature plan.

Awaiting MP4: cornyn_slogan_betrayal.mp4

Source: CNN / Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Oct 2020 // Hit 03

Weeks before the election, Cornyn admitted the wall was a performance, not a policy, and claimed he disagreed with Trump "privately."

"The wall was always a political slogan... it was never a policy."

"It's like a marriage. You don't broadcast disagreements... but I've had to tell him 'no' on several things."

Awaiting MP4: cornyn_time_passed.mp4

Source: NBC News / Reuters

May 2023 // Hit 04

"I think President Trump’s time has passed him by... We need to nominate somebody who can actually win."

Cornyn's final public break, framing the President as a political liability for the Republican party's future.