The Truth About Dan Crenshaw

The Attack: “Dan supported unvetted Afghans in the country and is responsible for the death of a National Guardsmen.”

THE TRUTH: While Dan did vote for the Afghan SIV program, he did not vote for unvetted people coming into our country. It is not Dan’s fault that the program was not properly executed by Biden. Dan never wanted this mass exodus of Afghans to happen in the first place, and fought to persuade President Biden to stop his foolish quest to quickly exit Afghanistan in such an irresponsible manner. 

Also, the bill passed 407-16, with 192 other Republicans voting for this bill. Conservative leaders like Mike Waltz (Trump’s UN Ambassador), Tom Emmer, Matt Gaetz, Elise Stefanik, Warren Davidson, and Richard Hudson cosponsored the bill and conservatives like Jim Jordan, Kevin Brady, Jim Banks, Louie Gohmert, and Steve Scalise all voted for it. 

Keep in mind, Dan served in Afghanistan and was wounded gravely by an IED (like a landmine). The man who stepped on the IED was an Afghan interpreter named Raqman. He stepped on the large explosive and blew up in 5 pieces, dying later that day from losing both arms and both legs. Dan was blinded and wounded severely by the blast, standing only a few feet away. That interpreter, and so many others like him, served America valiantly and loyally for YEARS. American troops would rotate in and out, but those interpreters would never leave. Never take a break. Their families were always under threat from the Taliban. Is it really so crazy that Dan and so many other veterans in Congress would support the idea of saving those Afghans from the wrath of the Taliban after Biden betrayed them? Are you also angry with all the veterans who worked so hard to personally extract Afghans they had partnered with on their past deployments? 

Bottomline: this is a below-the-belt and deeply unfair attack on Dan’s record. It is an attempt to distract people from the fact that (1) Dan fought and served valiantly for our country, and (2) has fought tirelessly in Congress for border security, against the cartels, and against any deal with Democrats that would involve any kind of amnesty. Dan’s record on immigration and border security is second to none. He even secured the $11 BILLION dollars in the Big Beautiful Bill that reimburses Texas for the years of spending our great State was forced to endure because of Biden. 

Attack: “Dan is an inside trader and got rich while in Congress.”

THE TRUTH: This one is perhaps one of the strangest attacks on Dan Crenshaw. He isn’t even close to being one of the wealthiest members of Congress, and his stock portfolio has never been larger than around $40,000. But it has nonetheless become one of the most popular attacks on him. Why?  Because it attracts such high engagement on social media. Americans rightfully hate the idea that their politicians might be profiting from their position. There is a natural distrust of politicians that must be addressed. Dan agrees with this, actually, and is an original co-Sponsor of the Stop Insider Trading Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7008?s=4&r=2), which bans individual stock trading for Congressmen and immediate family!!

You’ve likely heard some pretty wild numbers on the internet about what Dan has profited, so I will cut right to the chase. Dan recently released the REAL numbers after digging up every old brokerage statement and tax form since 2018. Here are the results:

In his entire career since 2019, he has profited realized gains of less than $50,000. That’s total gains, over 7 years. The hard truth is that Dan has simply never really traded much as a Congressman. In fact the last trade was in March of 2023. In total he has bought and sold stocks only 25 times in 7 years. How can he be an inside trader when he doesn’t even trade??

This issue caught fire because some websites only reported the high percentage gains of his portfolio (he is required by law to disclose all trades, so of course we can all calculate his percentage gains). They were high only one time, because the first time he purchased stocks in Congress was when the market crashed during COVID. That’s not insider information, that’s saving money and investing it at the right time. He is accused of making hundreds of thousands of dollars because the government reporting mechanism doesn’t allow him—or any Congressman—to report the actual value of the stock. It makes them click on a list of different ranges. The first range is $1001-$15,000, which is a pretty large spread! So when reporters write the story, they automatically assume the higher end of the range. In reality, Dan was always at the bottom of the range. The numbers speak for themselves. 

Insider trading is a serious crime. So Dan has pulled all his old statements and tax forms and calculated the exact numbers for all to see. He isn’t hiding anything, and certainly isn’t hiding any money. He even published his recent home appraisal in Texas, which is valued at $407,000. Does that really seem like he is living large? 

This lie is one of the worst because a good and decent person is being accused of very serious crimes. It needs to stop. 

Attack: “Dan supports Red Flag Laws”

THE TRUTH: Anytime someone says this, I simply ask the question: “When did he ever vote for or support a Red Flag Bill?” Of course, I never get an answer because Dan never supported or voted for red flag laws. He is the only Member to actually introduce anti-Red Flag Law legislation EVERY SINGLE SESSION. You can look it up on Congress.gov, it is called the Preventing Unjust Red Flag Laws Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/223?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Preventing+Unjust+Red+Flag+Laws+Law%22%7D&s=2&r=1).  Dan has an A+ rating from the NRA. He co-sponsors Constitutional Carry legislation every session since he took office. Dan introduced the ATF Accountability Act(https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/607?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22ATF+Accountability%22%7D&s=3&r=1) in response to the agency’s attempt to ban pistol braces, which many disabled veterans use to provide more stability when using a firearm. Dan’s legislation would ensure that firearm dealers and manufacturers can appeal any ruling from the ATF, a capability that does not exist under current law. 

So where did this all come from? Here is how this attack started, so you have the full context. Back in 2019, Dan tried to support President Trump (who had just stated his support for Red Flag Laws),  but also reign back the idea of any federal legislation on the subject, so he tweeted out that “maybe Red Flag Laws should be considered at the STATE level.” Dan will admit to this day he regrets ever jumping into the discussion, even if the goal was to help President Trump walk back the idea of any federal action.

Dan has never believed in Red Flag Laws, because “ultimately due process is ignored and you cannot have your rights removed if you haven’t committed a crime.” 

Attack: “Dan is a secret member of the World Economic Forum”

THE TRUTH: The WEF added Dan’s name to their annual list of “upcoming leaders” or whatever they call it, back when he was first elected, and he didn’t even know about it.  They also added well-known people like Tulsi Gabbard. Dan had nothing to do with them. He has never even been in contact with them or worked with them. Dan has never been to Davos. Dan asked WEF to take his name off the list and they did. That was the end of it. 

Attack: Dan is accused by fellow Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher of “trying to keep him in prison.”

THE TRUTH: This was Dan’s first year in office and Dan did everything in his power to help Eddie get released from the unfair conditions he was under inside the Miramar Brig. First of all, look at this article from Fox News (https://www.foxnews.com/us/eddie-gallagher-case-house-republicans-call-on-navy-leadership-to-review-treatment-of-seal-being-held-on-war-crimes-charges), and even Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Gallagher_(Navy_SEAL))  lists Dan as the primary advocate for Eddie. Dan worked tirelessly with the Navy and the Armed Services Committee to draft the perfect letter from Congress that would have the desired effect of improving Eddie’s unfair conditions while he awaited trial.

So where does this attack come from? Frankly, I think Eddie Gallagher is simply looking for attention, knowing full well that an attack on Dan Crenshaw means social media engagement. Eddie now makes his money from social media engagement and podcasting, and all engagement is good for selling ads and selling his book. 

The nuance in this case is a dispute between two different letters from Congress. In one letter, a group of Congressman demanded that Eddie simply be released and free until his trial. But this was not even close to a realistic demand, due to the severity of the first-degree murder charges and the fact that it was Eddie’s own platoon—the SEALs that he was leading as their Chief—who accused him of these crimes. According to the SEAL Command, Eddie had also threatened his accusers. There was no scenario in which he would be released before trial. But this was, of course, what Eddie’s family wanted and demanded of Dan.

All of Dan’s extensive communication with the Gallagher family can be found here (https://crenshaw.house.gov/gallagher-correspondence). No one can read this and believe that Dan was trying to hurt Eddie. To the contrary, he was trying to SUCCEED in helping him, not just sign on to a letter that would have zero effect. 

So Dan worked with the military and the Armed Services Committee to draft a letter that demanded Eddie be released into more favorable confinement where his rights would be protected. Dan believed that Eddie’s confinement at the Miramar brig was deeply unfair, being confined along with convicted felons and not afforded regular access to medical attention, family visits, lawyer visits, etc. 

And you know what? Dan was able to get important Members of Congress to sign this new letter, Members like Mac Thornberry, a fellow Texan, who was the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee. Thornberry wouldn’t sign the other “free Eddie” letter for the same reasons Dan wouldn’t: it would have no effect and would in fact remove credibility from their overall effort.

In the end, Dan’s letter and subsequent media blitz on Fox News  DID SUCCEED in getting President Trump’s attention. Here is the link: (https://crenshaw.house.gov/2019/3/crenshaw-delegation-of-17-seek-answers-for-chief-petty-officer-edward-eddie-gallagher)  to the letter. You cannot read this and believe that Dan wasn’t fighting for Eddie. Within 2 weeks, President Trump did exactly what Dan’s letter asked for and moved Eddie out of the brig. Dan helped Eddie. Those are the facts. 

The Attack: “Dan Crenshaw has abandoned President Trump and does not support his America First Agenda.”

THE TRUTH: Dan’s support for President Trump has never wavered. He has been one of President Trump’s strongest defenders over the years—supporting his priorities in Congress and frequently appearing on liberal media channels like CNN and MSNBC to defend the President’s record.

Dan had a meeting at Mar-a-Lago with President Trump in January 2025, where they talked about the need to destroy the Mexican drug cartels.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in President Trump’s first term, Democrats, the mainstream media, and a lot of Republicans were criticizing President Trump’s response to the pandemic. Dan did not waver in his defense of President Trump. In fact, the video Crenshaw released debunking the left’s lies was released by the Trump Administration and promoted by the President himself as a model for how Republicans should defend him: https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1252046878314770432

After the 2020 election, Rep. Crenshaw signed onto the amicus brief for the Texas lawsuit challenging the sweeping changes to election law in Pennsylvania which could have affected the election’s outcome: https://www.facebook.com/CrenshawforCongress/posts/my-reasoning-for-signing-on-to-the-amicus-brief-for-the-texas-lawsuit-and-what-o/1338891463170264/

In April 2023, President Trump endorsed Dan’s bill to authorize the use of military force against the Mexican drug cartels. After President Trump’s bold actions against Iran and Venezuela, Dan has relentlessly pushed back on the leftist narratives and supported the President.

Pay no attention to the grifters online who lie about Dan’s record. They create this fake outrage for clickbait because that’s how they make their living.

The Attack: “Dan Crenshaw threatened to kill Tucker Carlson.”

THE TRUTH: First of all, Dan never threatened to kill Tucker Carlson. There is a big difference between threatening to kill someone and a dumb hot mic moment with a reporter where you offhandedly say, “I’d kill that guy if I ever saw him.” Almost everyone has said something to that effect at some point in their lives – and we all know it’s not meant to be taken literally.  Not even Tucker Carlson claimed to believe it was a threat.

Dan himself says he regrets it. “It was dumb. Pure and simple,” he has said. 

So then what is the deal with Dan and Tucker? The truth is that Tucker Carlson has spent the past three years attacking Dan on a monthly basis, including mocking his war injury. He is the one who coined the phrase “Eyepatch McCain” in 2022. It was completely unprovoked and a disgusting affront to all veterans with war injuries.

Tucker never offers any policy disagreement with the congressman. He just attacks Dan’s character – calling him “vile”, “disgusting”, “a bad person”, or “sinister.” 

Dan has no idea what instigated these attacks. He has never met Tucker, and prior to Tucker’s recent attacks, he never spoke publicly about him. In fact, Dan never even responded to Tucker’s attacks until recently, when Tucker was fired from Fox News. And now, we have all seen the true Tucker Carlson: a supposed friend of Trump who criticizes all of Trump’s actions, supports Islamists in Qatar, platforms neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes (who was an enemy of the late Charlie Kirk), and claims to be attacked by demons at night. Tucker was famously caught up in the Hunter Biden laptop, where emails between them were exposed, showing that Tucker was pleading with his friend Hunter to get his son into Georgetown University. Tucker is a Washington elite who pretends to fight Washington elites. Why should anyone trust what Tucker has to say anymore?

The Attack: “Dan yelled at a 12-year-old girl at an event…”

THE TRUTH: This one is so ridiculous I hesitate to even bring it up, because Dan never yelled at anyone, let alone a 12-year-old. He answered firmly and with righteous indignation that his Christian faith was being questioned so viciously. Here is the truth about that night. First of all, the girl was not 12 years old, she was an adult and worked for Dan’s opponent at the time. Second, she accused Dan of not believing that Jesus Christ was real, referencing an old podcast where Dan was speaking about his book, which includes a chapter about hero archetypes. People on the internet had been twisting his words for months, making this extremely offensive accusation about Dan. Third, the topic had already been brought up and answered thoroughly earlier in the event. Dan’s opponents knew that using this campaign operative—who appeared to be a young girl in a blurry video—would make for good clickbait. And let’s all be honest: we would all be offended if accused of NOT believing in Jesus Christ. 

The Attack: “Why does Michael Berry hate Dan so much?”

THE TRUTH: Great question! The truth is probably that Michael—one of Dan’s former supporters and close friends—was resentful that Dan rose so quickly to fame and influence. But there is something else that few people know. Just before Michael started publicly attacking Dan, he sent Dan an odd text message one night on September 23rd, 2020:

It read “Dude, your campaign is spending 600k on tv & not one penny with our company. Seriously?”

Make sense now? When it comes to these media people in politics, always follow the money.

The sad part is that Dan’s campaign was planning to advertise on Michael’s show, but the damage had been done in Michael Berry’s mind. He only cared about his bottom line. 

The attack: “Dan’s legislative voting record isn’t conservative…”

THE TRUTH: First of all, Dan has a 100% score with Turning Point Action on border security, Second Amendment, and Educational Freedom  He has an 81% lifetime score from Heritage Action. His record of votes supporting Trump’s agenda this session is 100%—and he goes on unfriendly media to defend the President. You’ve seen mail come to your door that twists the truth about certain votes – and you will likely see a whole lot more – so I want to give you the truth about each one of those:

1. Afghan SIV program: This was addressed in Attack #1. Again worth noting, the bill passed 407-16, with 192 other Republicans voting for this bill. Conservative leaders like Mike Waltz, Tom Emmer, Matt Gaetz, Elise Stefanik, Warren Davidson, and Richard Hudson cosponsored the bill and conservatives like Jim Jordan, Kevin Brady, Jim Banks, Louie Gohmert, and Steve Scalise all voted for it. Claims that it “reduced vetting” are misleading, at best. This bill adjusted language for eligibility to apply as Biden was about to abandon the allies who lived, patrolled, fought, and died next to Americans for 20-years. 
2. HR 3593 was not some “DEI program”: Dan supported this bill because it  invested in Department of Energy innovation, research, and development programs, like advanced computing, laser research, and high-end energy infrastructure critical to US competitiveness—especially against China. Top House conservatives supported it. Frank Lucas, then Ranking Member of Science, said it protected U.S. research from foreign theft. Mike Waltz emphasized that science and technology leadership is essential to countering the Chinese Communist Party. The bill passed 351–68. It also explicitly prohibited gain-of-function research, the same category of research suspected in COVID’s origins. 
3. Amendment 1113: Dan opposed this amendment because it attempted to cut $2.5 million from the Southwest Border Regional Commission and move it to a general spending reduction account. While framed as a “cut,” the commission funds economic development and infrastructure projects in Texas border communities, including flood mitigation, roads for cross-border commerce, rural healthcare, and broadband. The bill was good for Texas and all Texas taxpayers, and the amendment would have hurt Texas.

HR 549: Dan supported this because the vote occurred during Nicolás Maduro’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Venezuela during Trump’s first term. Trump himself was supportive of the idea because he ended up granting Venezuelans temporary legal status just before he left office! And it was Senator Marco Rubio who cosponsored the Senate companion bill! Temporary Protected Status simply allowed Venezuelans already here to remain and work legally during the crisis—if they qualified. This was during President Trump’s first term, with DHS run by the Trump administration—not Biden or Mayorkas.  It’s also worth noting that Venezuelans are WAY MORE opposed to socialism than our own American college students.