Skip to main content
CHANGING OF THE GUARD

MAGA Turns on Republican Dynasty in New Meltdown

MAGA pitchforks are out after a lifelong Republican revealed he will not vote for Ken Paxton just because there is an “R” next to his name.

By Christopher Buchanan

The MAGA world has fully turned on a member of one of the most prominent Republican dynasties.

MAGA pitchforks are out for the 71-year-old brother of George W. Bush, Neil Bush, after he wrote a Facebook post early Wednesday that he was voting for Democrat James Talarico for Senate in Texas.

Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, along with Jeb and Columba Bush, Neil and Maria Bush and Marvin Bush, follow the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush for burial at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in College Station, Texas.

Neil Bush has rarely involved himself in politics, despite being a member of one of the most prominent American political dynasties.

POOL/David J. Phillip/Pool via REUTERS

“My vote was motivated by two things: deep concern about Ken Paxton’s record and genuine admiration for the character and principles I see in James Talarico,” he wrote.

This set off a firestorm on the terminally online right, who decried Neil and took collateral shots at the Bush family for what it viewed as a conservative betrayal.

“The Bush family is always a disappointment,” said Katie Miller, wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

Katie Miller, wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino attend a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025.

Katie Miller was one of many MAGA sphere figures to condemn Neil's support for Talarico

Nathan Howard/Nathan Howard/REUTERS

“Another Bush for Talarico,” wrote Fox News host Laura Ingraham. “No one should be surprised.”

Newsmax Rob Schmitt wrote of the post, “Neil Bush has spent his life using his last name to get rich selling our nation out to China. Look up his bio. Nobody is surprised he would vote Talarico.”

Schmitt appears to be referencing Neil’s international consulting and investment business, LehmanBush, which operates in China.

Despite the family name, the middle Bush child has largely avoided politics, as he noted in his post. He said that even as a lifelong Republican voter, he recognized a wide moral gap between Talarico and Paxton.

Neil Bush, left, son of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, is introduced at an event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019.

Neil Bush drew ire from MAGA Republicans for his support of James Talarico over disgraced Ken Paxton.

POOL/Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS

“I still believe deeply in many traditional Republican principles. But character matters more than party affiliation. Our democracy depends on leaders who respect our institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability, and seek to unite rather than divide,” he wrote.

The endorsement underscores that the growing gap between traditional Republicans and MAGA seems beyond repair.

See more of our coverage in your search results.

ADD THE DAILY BEAST ON GOOGLE
Christopher Buchanan
Christopher Buchanan

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.

Sign in or create an account

Login dialog

Loading comments…

TRENDING NOW