Written by Ashton Snyder on
 August 6, 2025

Host Kernen verifies Trump’s Texas claims on-air

President Donald Trump received validation from an unexpected source when CNBC host Joe Kernen fact-checked and confirmed his claim about record-breaking vote totals in Texas during the 2024 presidential election.

During a Tuesday appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box," Trump made several assertions about electoral achievements, including that he "got the highest vote in the history of Texas," as reported by The Daily Caller. Initially skeptical, Kernen told the president he would need to verify this claim before accepting it.

The exchange highlighted how Trump has been using his electoral performance in Texas to support proposed congressional redistricting that could significantly impact Republican control of the House in upcoming elections. The verification came minutes later when Kernen returned to the topic with confirmation.

On-Air Fact-Check Confirms Presidential Record

Trump's claim about receiving the highest vote total in Texas history came while discussing potential Republican gains in the state. When he made the assertion, Kernen paused to indicate he wasn't immediately certain about the accuracy of the statement.

After taking time to verify the information, Kernen returned to the topic and confirmed directly to Trump: "So you did get the highest number of votes in Texas. So that's true." This on-air confirmation validated Trump's statement that he had secured over 6.5 million votes in Texas during the 2024 election.

The numbers reflect a significant increase from Trump's previous record of approximately 5.9 million votes in the state during the 2020 presidential race. This growth in support represents a substantial expansion of his electoral base in what has traditionally been considered a Republican stronghold.

Texas Redistricting Could Reshape House Control

Trump referenced his record-breaking vote total while discussing a Texas House committee draft congressional map that aims to create five additional Republican-leaning districts by 2026. This redistricting effort could have profound implications for control of the House of Representatives.

CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten provided context for the significance of these potential new districts last Thursday. He pointed out that recent House majorities have been won by narrow margins – Democrats had just four seats to spare in 2020, Republicans had four in 2022, and Republicans emerged from the 2024 elections with only two seats above the majority threshold.

The creation of five new Republican-leaning districts in Texas could therefore prove decisive in determining House control in the 2026 midterm elections. This redistricting initiative appears to be gaining momentum following Republican electoral successes in the state.

Electoral Performance Fuels Policy Initiatives

During the CNBC interview, Trump connected his electoral performance directly to the redistricting effort, suggesting that his strong showing entitled Texas to additional representation. "We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats," Trump stated during the exchange.

The president praised Texas leadership, including the governor, while emphasizing his own electoral achievements in the state. His comments reflected a strategy of leveraging electoral success to justify political and structural changes that could benefit his party in future contests.

Trump's focus on Texas comes at a time when the state continues to grow in population and electoral significance. The proposed redistricting would further enhance Texas' already substantial influence in the House of Representatives, potentially securing Republican advantages for years to come.

Narrow Margins Underscore Redistricting Importance

The importance of the Texas redistricting effort becomes clear when considering recent congressional majorities. As highlighted by CNN's Enten, control of the House has been determined by remarkably small margins in recent election cycles.

With Republicans holding just a two-seat majority following the 2024 elections, the addition of five Republican-leaning districts in Texas could provide crucial insurance against potential losses elsewhere in the 2026 midterms. This narrow advantage explains why both parties focus intensely on redistricting efforts across the country.

The confirmation of Trump's electoral claim by a news host who initially expressed skepticism demonstrates how factual verification remains important in political discourse, even as redistricting battles highlight the strategic aspects of American electoral politics. The episode underscores the continuing influence Trump maintains in shaping Republican priorities.

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About Ashton Snyder

Independent conservative news without a leftist agenda.
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