Jasmine Crockett attempts to 'wheel' back Greg Abbott comments and falls off a cliff

The Texas Democratic congresswoman has been under fire after calling Abbott "Governor Hot Wheels".

PUBLISHED 6 DAYS AGO

The comment, widely interpreted as a jab at Abbott’s use of a wheelchair, has drawn sharp criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats.

Washington D.C.: Jasmine Crockett is attempting to walk back her "hot wheels" comment about governor Greg Abbott.

The Texas Democratic Congresswoman has been under fire after calling Abbott "Governor Hot Wheels" during a Human Rights Campaign awards dinner over the weekend. The comment, widely interpreted as a jab at Abbott’s use of a wheelchair, has drawn sharp criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats. But Crockett now insists her remark was misinterpreted.

In a video that went viral, Crockett told the crowd: "We in these hot-ass Texas streets, honey… y’all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there. Come on now. And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot-ass mess, honey." The nickname "Hot Wheels" immediately sparked outrage, with many accusing Crockett of mocking Abbott’s disability.

Abbott has been paralyzed since 1984 after a tree fell on him while jogging. While critics have long condemned Abbott’s policies, Crockett’s personal dig crossed a line for many.

Some commentators noted the hypocrisy in defending Crockett while condemning similar remarks from conservatives.

Even Democrats have a problem

Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), slammed Crockett’s remarks as "absolutely shameful". Greene posted on X: "Jasmine Crockett is the face of the Democrat Party, and they all support her… The ads write themselves."

But even some Democrats expressed discomfort with the comment. Critics argued that Abbott’s policies — such as his controversial migrant busing program — provide ample material for substantive criticism without resorting to ableist insults.

Crockett walks statement back, badly

Facing backlash, Crockett denied that "Hot Wheels" referred to Abbott’s disability. In a statement to Politico, she claimed: "I wasn’t thinking about the governor’s condition. I was thinking about the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors."

Her explanation was met with skepticism. Critics pointed out that "Hot Wheels" is unmistakably linked to wheelchairs, and her follow-up line — "the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot-ass mess" — did little to clarify her intent.

Some commentators noted the hypocrisy in defending Crockett while condemning similar remarks from conservatives. "If we respect people with disabilities, we have to be consistent," argued one critic. "You can’t excuse this just because Abbott is a political opponent."

Others suggested that Crockett should simply apologize rather than double down. "Own it, say it was a mistake, and move on," one observer said. "The denial makes it worse."

Abbott has been paralyzed since 1984 after a tree fell on him while jogging.

Trump is no stranger to mocking disabilities

In 2015, then Republican presidential contender Donald Trump was criticised for mocking a disabled New York Times reporter. Trump performed an impression of Serge Kovaleski, who suffers from a congenital joint condition, at a rally.

Referring to a 2001 article by Kovaleski, at a South Carolina rally, Trump called Kovaleski "a nice reporter".

"Now the poor guy, you gotta see this guy," he continued, before launching into an apparent impression of Mr Kovaleski, waving his arms around with his hands at an odd angle.

"Uhh I don't know what I said. Uhh I don't remember. He's going like 'I don't remember. Maybe that's what I said'."

Kovaleski has arthrogryposis, a condition that affects the movement of joints and is noticeable in his right arm and hand.