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.

Families of seven girls and camp counselors killed in the July 4 Camp Mystic flood in Hunt, Texas, have filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit, alleging the camp’s owners ignored flood risks and state safety rules to protect profits.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 10 in Travis County District Court by attorney R. Paul Yetter of Yetter Coleman LLP, names the families of Anna Margaret Bellows, Lila Bonner, Chloe Childress, Molly DeWitt, Katherine Ferruzzo, Lainey Landry and Blakely McCrory — all of whom died in the catastrophic flooding.

The 75-page petition claims Camp Mystic and its owners “put profit over safety” and “chose to house young girls in flood-prone areas to avoid the cost of relocating cabins.” It also accuses the camp of failing to create or follow an evacuation plan, despite state regulations requiring one.

“Just such a tragedy hit our State on July 4, 2025,” the lawsuit reads. “When 25 campers and two counselors needlessly and tragically died in the floodwaters at Camp Mystic.”

CAMP MYSTIC MAKES CONTROVERSIAL DECISION ABOUT FUTURE OF TEXAS CAMP WHERE 27 DIED IN FLOODING

Camp Mystic spans 725 acres along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, an area long known for deadly flash floods. The filing cites a 1990 interview with then-director Richard Eastland, who reportedly told the Austin-American Statesman, “I’m sure there will be other drownings. People don’t heed the warnings.”

According to the lawsuit, the camp ignored multiple warnings — from weather alerts, staff concerns, and its own experience. Counselors allegedly pleaded to evacuate girls from low-lying cabins but were told to “stay put because that’s the plan.”

TIMELINE DETAILED IN THE LAWSUIT:  

• 1:14 a.m. — National Weather Service issued a “life-threatening flash flood” warning.

• 1:45 a.m.–2:13 a.m. — Camp leaders Richard and Edward Eastland allegedly worked to move equipment instead of ordering an evacuation.

• 2:20 a.m. — Counselors reported water entering cabins but were instructed to remain inside.

• 2:30–3:30 a.m. — Five cabins were evacuated to the Rec Hall; six others were left behind, including Nut Hut, Chatter Box, Wiggle Inn, Giggle Box, Twins, and Bubble Inn.

• 3:35–3:51 a.m. — Richard Eastland’s SUV was swept away as he tried to rescue girls from Bubble Inn; all 13 campers and two counselors in that cabin drowned.

• 3:35–4:09 a.m. — Eleven campers died in Twins Cabin after being told to stay because “the water would go back down.”

CAMP MYSTIC MAKES CONTROVERSIAL DECISION ABOUT FUTURE OF TEXAS CAMP WHERE 27 DIED IN FLOODING

The petition argues that the girls could have safely evacuated within 60 seconds to higher ground if not ordered to remain in their cabins.

Families accuse Camp Mystic of gross negligence, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The filing also highlights a written policy stating: “In case of flood, all campers on Senior Hill must stay in their cabins… All cabins are constructed on safe, high locations.”

The lawsuit also alleges that camp administrators misled families after the disaster, telling them the girls were merely “unaccounted for” hours after the floodwaters receded.

Adding to families’ anger, the lawsuit cites the camp’s decision to announce its reopening for the next summer season while one camper, Cile Steward, remained missing.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The families are seeking more than $1 million in damages, including wrongful death and exemplary damages, and have requested a jury trial.