Trump mocks Ted Cruz, claims both Democrats and Republicans want him out
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump took fresh aim at Senator Ted Cruz while floating his name as a potential Supreme Court nominee, using the moment to mock how unpopular the Texas Republican allegedly is among his own colleagues.
Speaking at a Wednesday, January 28 event promoting his “Trump Accounts” initiative, the president claimed that Cruz would face no resistance during confirmation because both Democrats and Republicans would want him out of the Senate.
“Trump Accounts” is a government-backed program under which every American child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, is eligible to receive a $1,000 contribution from the Treasury Department, immediately invested in an index fund.
Under the scheme, any American under the age of 18 is also eligible to open a tax-advantaged Trump Account aimed at long-term savings.
Trump calls Ted Cruz his ‘friend’ despite past rivalry
While outlining the program, Trump mentioned several political figures, including Cruz, whom he referred to as “a friend of mine.”
The president recalled their contentious 2016 Republican primary battle, saying they “went through a rough campaign together” and describing it as “nasty.”
Trump claimed that tensions between them have since eased, adding that they now share a cordial relationship.
“We get along so well and everybody — we actually did joint rallies, can you believe it?” Trump said, noting that Cruz had asked to campaign together. “The press used to say, ‘Will you ever start fighting?’ I said, ‘Don’t worry, it’ll come.’”
Trump went on to describe Cruz as “a very tough guy” and “a very brilliant guy,” suggesting their rivalry had turned into mutual respect.
Trump praises Cruz’s debating skills and academic record
The president also highlighted Cruz’s academic achievements, referencing his education at Princeton and Harvard.
“Well, he was the best student at Harvard, number one in his class,” Trump said, before adding that Cruz had been a national debate champion for several years.
“He was a very good debater, I will tell you that,” Trump continued. “He was a smart guy. I will never forget, because he was the first one I looked at."
Trump claims both parties want Cruz ‘the hell out’
Despite the praise, Trump pivoted sharply, arguing that Cruz’s unpopularity would make a Supreme Court confirmation effortless.
“If I nominate him for the United States Supreme Court, I will get 100% of the vote,” Trump claimed.
“The Democrats will vote for him because they want to get him the hell out,” he said, before adding, “And the Republicans will vote for him because they want to get him the hell out, too.”
Trump softened his tone toward the end of his remarks, calling Cruz “a great guy” and “a very effective person,” thanking him publicly as the crowd reacted with laughter.
