'Still spineless': Ted Cruz shredded for endorsing Trump despite calling him 'pathological liar' in 2016

WASHINGTON, DC: In an interesting turn of events on Tuesday, January 16, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) threw his weight behind former President Donald Trump, endorsing his 2024 White House bid and boldly declaring the Republican primary race "over."

Cruz's endorsement follows Trump's landslide victory in the Iowa Caucus on Monday, where the 77-year-old former president secured an impressive 51% of the vote and triumphed in 98 out of 99 counties in the Hawkeye State.

Ted Cruz officially endorses Donald Trump

Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Cruz expressed his confidence in Trump's candidacy, stating, "I believe this race is over, so I am proud to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States. I look forward to supporting him enthusiastically."

The Texas senator emphasized the need for unity within the Republican Party as they prepare for the upcoming general election against President Joe Biden. "With the results last night, the people have spoken," Cruz asserted, describing Trump's Iowa win as "decisive" and a "dominating victory." He added, "It's time to move onward to victory in November."

While Cruz refrained from explicitly urging Florida Gov Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley to suspend their campaigns, he highlighted the urgency for Republican unity. "It’s time for the Republican Party to unite," Cruz declared, stopping short of explicitly calling on other candidates to step aside.

Taking to social media platform X, Cruz posted, "I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President. Now is the time for us to unite to oust Joe Biden and save our country from the Democrats’ destructive agenda."

He urged supporters to contribute to both his and Trump's campaign efforts, stating, "To help us win this fight, please make a donation right now to support me and President Trump as we work together to defeat Joe Biden & Save America. Make a strong statement with your support," alongside a donation link.

Social media backlash

However, the endorsement did not go unnoticed on social media, with many criticizing Cruz for the same.

"lol. Still spineless," one posted on X.

"Sure you do! He only disparaged your wife and your Father! No bar is too low for you!" another comment read.

"Which Ted Cruz should we believe? The one with or without balls?" someone else added.

"Coward," another wrote.

History revisited

The history between Cruz and Trump adds an interesting angle to this endorsement. In the 2016 race, Trump infamously dubbed Cruz "Lyin’ Ted," disparaged his wife's appearance, and falsely implicated his father in President John F Kennedy’s assassination.

Cruz, in turn, called Trump a "sniveling coward," a "pathological liar," and "utterly amoral," refusing to endorse him at the 2016 Republican National Convention, per the Washington Post.

Cruz's shift from a bitter foe to a staunch supporter marks a considerable evolution, showcasing Trump's enduring influence within the Republican Party. Despite their contentious past, the Texas senator and veteran litigator fervently defended Trump when Democrats were trying to impeach him during his presidency. 

That said, Cruz has now joined a list of influential Republican senators, including Tommy Tuberville, Tom Cotton, Rick Scott, Josh Hawley, JD Vance, and Lindsey Graham, who have endorsed Trump's 2024 presidential bid, per The Hill.

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