
Texas AG Ken Paxton Ordered to Pay Millions to Whistleblower Aides
In a significant legal development, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been ordered by a Travis County judge to pay over $3.3 million to four former aides who filed a whistleblower lawsuit against him. The lawsuit, which dates back to 2020, accuses Paxton of wrongful termination after the aides reported him to the FBI for alleged misconduct.
The judgment, handed down on April 4, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga surrounding Paxton, who has faced numerous legal and ethical challenges during his tenure. The whistleblowers, who were part of Paxton's senior staff, claimed they were fired in retaliation for their reports, which included allegations of bribery and abuse of office.
This case has drawn widespread attention, not only for its implications on Paxton's career but also for its broader impact on whistleblower protections in Texas. The financial penalty is one of the largest ever awarded in a whistleblower case in the state, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed the allegations against Paxton.
The ruling comes at a time when Paxton is also facing a separate securities fraud trial, adding to the mounting legal pressures on the embattled attorney general.