Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan hit back at President Donald Trump’s criticism of him on Tuesday about his retirement from politics, saying, “New phone. Who Dis?”
Why It Matters
The strained relationship between Trump and Phelan continues to potentially underscore divisions within the Republican Party, particularly in Texas.
Trump’s previous attempts to unseat Republicans who may have crossed him, coupled with Phelan’s survival against a Trump-endorsed primary challenger, highlighted the ongoing power struggle between establishment figures and Trump-aligned conservatives.
What To Know
In 2024, Phelan fended off a fierce primary runoff challenge from David Covey, who had received an explicit endorsement from President Trump. Phelan secured victory in the GOP runoff, despite Trump rallying support for Covey.
President Trump’s opinion toward Phelan—who represented Texas House District 21 and served as Speaker from 2021 until 2025— potentially originated in 2023 when Phelan led the failed Texas House impeachment of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, a high-profile Trump ally.
Trump has previously described Phelan’s impeachment of Paxton as “fraudulent” and an “absolute embarrassment” in prior Truth Social posts.
Taking to Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump took a new swipe at Phelan, saying, “Fortunately for the Great State of Texas, their Former Speaker, who is no longer Speaker, Dade Phelan, is quitting Politics. He was the one responsible for killing every Bill having to do with Voter Integrity and School Choice. Good luck in your next life, Dade!”
Phelan hit back on X on Tuesday, saying, “New phone. Who dis?”
What People Are Saying
D. Stephen Voss, political science professor at the University of Kentucky, to Newsweek via email on Tuesday night: “Trump has shown a consistent desire to remake the Republican Party in his image. Phelan did not toe the line, on occasion leading the Texas statehouse in a bipartisan way. In particular, Phelan cooperated in the impeachment of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, one of the leading contenders for a Texas seat in the U.S. Senate.”
Voss continued: “For Trump to take swipes at Phelan is consistent with his past behavior. The bigger question is whether Trump’s unnecessary rhetorical volley at Phelan is a sign that he might wade into the Republican Senate primary on Paxton’s behalf, given that Paxton is thought to be neck and neck with incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary.”
Phelan in August on X announcing his retirement: “This video from Chuck Norris about my retirement in 2026 is my last #txlege House political ad. paid for by Texans for Dade. May God Bless the House and may God Bless the Great State of Texas! #HD21 #SETX”
Trump on Truth Social last year backing Covey: “David Covey is running against Dade Phelan, the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who led the Fraudulent Impeachment of the recently re-elected, in a landslide, Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton. David is an America First Conservative who will Secure the Border, Restore Election Integrity, Protect our Families and Military/Vets, and Defend our under siege Second Amendment.”
The president continued, “David Covey has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Texas’ 21st State House District—He will never let you down! Any Republican backing Phelan is a fool, and should be disassociated from the Republican Party — that’s how bad Phelan is, especially on, Election Integrity!”
What Happens Next
Phelan’s retirement will leave a vacancy in the Texas House, prompting speculation about who might succeed him and how the GOP will position itself in future legislative battles.
Dustin Burrows, a Phelan ally, has succeeded him as Speaker.
Update 11/11/25 11:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from D. Stephen Voss.
