Trump says he’s 'thinking about' Ted Cruz for Supreme Court, jokes would get unanimous approval
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS: President Donald Trump sparked loud applause during a February 27 speech when he said he was “thinking about” appointing Ted Cruz to the US Supreme Court.
While addressing supporters about energy independence and America’s economic rebound, Trump paused to praise the Texas senator and floated the idea of elevating him to the nation’s highest court before joking that Cruz would somehow win over even his political opponents.
“We have a senator who’s really an amazing guy, I’m thinking about putting him on the Supreme Court,” Trump said, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Getting these nominations through is very tough. He’s the only guy I know—he’ll get 100% of the Democrat vote, 100% of the Republican vote.”
Trump praises Ted Cruz’s talent and tenacity
Trump didn’t stop at the joke. He went on to describe Cruz in glowing terms, highlighting both his intelligence and his combative style in Washington.
Democrats, Trump claimed, would secretly welcome the nomination for one specific reason. “He is such a pain in the ass,” Trump said, suggesting that Cruz’s critics might be eager to see him leave the Senate.
“He’s so good and so talented—Ted Cruz,” Trump added. “He’s a great guy. He’s a very talented guy too; smart.”
Cruz has served as a Republican senator from Texas since 2013 and lives near Houston.
Before entering elected office, he built an extensive legal career. He earned his undergraduate degree in Public Policy from Princeton University in 1992 and received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1995. Early in his career, he clerked for then-Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
He later worked as associate deputy attorney general at the Department of Justice and served as Texas solicitor general from 2003 to 2008.
Supreme Court speculation and originalist philosophy
Supreme Court justices serve lifetime appointments, and any vacancy would require a presidential nomination followed by Senate confirmation. Currently, Clarence Thomas is the oldest member of the bench.
Thomas is widely known for adhering to a strict philosophy of originalism, which interprets the Constitution as written and intended by the framers.
Cruz has earned a similar reputation. In 2016, Vox labeled him “arguably the national politician most closely identified with originalism.”
If appointed, Cruz could potentially carry forward a judicial approach aligned with Thomas’ philosophy.
Trump did not indicate that a vacancy is imminent, nor did he formally announce a nomination. His remarks appeared speculative, framed more as praise than an immediate plan.
Energy agenda, economy and foreign policy notes
The Supreme Court comment came during a broader speech focused largely on energy and economic policy.
Trump lauded what he described as America’s economic rebound under his administration and reinforced energy independence as a key priority.
At one point, he invited Texas oil workers on stage, stressing the local industry’s importance. He also highlighted the rollout of new Trump Accounts, which offer a $1,000 investment fund to every American child.
Ahead of his remarks, Trump declined to answer questions about a potential strike on Iran, though he signaled he was “not happy” with negotiations so far.
