Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) offered a TMZ journalist a beer at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, then jokingly dismissed him from Texas when the visitor said he could not drink it.
Jacob Wasserman, TMZ’s Washington managing editor, told Abbott he avoids gluten and could not have beer in a video the outlet posted Saturday.
“You’re dismissed from Texas,” Abbott joked.
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Greg Abbott was more than hospitable when TMZ DC’s @jacob_wass stopped by the Governor’s mansion … offering him a brewski and getting a laugh out of Jacob agonizing over whether his stomach could handle it.
https://t.co/z7vNdc7LeE
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 17, 2026
The visit took place Friday night, TMZ reported. Abbott wore a black cowboy hat and tan jacket and held out a bottle of Shiner Bock.
The conversation also moved beyond the beer. Wasserman asked about the accident that left Abbott unable to walk and how he handled the mental and physical challenges that followed.
Abbott described choosing to move forward, building his career and maintaining an exercise routine that includes planks, a hand-operated cycling machine and weightlifting.
The governor also playfully encouraged Wasserman to consider interviewing for White House press secretary, complimenting his ability to handle the media.
Wasserman eventually drank the beer. TMZ reported that he called Harvey Levin about two hours later to complain about stomach discomfort.
Provided by Dallas Express
