In a surprising turn of events, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has officially endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election.
What Happened: Cruz, who had a tumultuous relationship with Trump in the past, announced his endorsement on Tuesday, as reported by The Hill. This comes just a day after Trump’s victory in the Iowa caucuses.
“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,” Cruz stated on X, formerly Twitter.
He also called for donations to support Trump’s campaign, adding, “Make a strong statement with your support.”
With this endorsement, Cruz joins the ranks of at least 23 other U.S. senators who have backed Trump in the GOP presidential primary. This is not the first time Cruz has endorsed Trump; he also endorsed him in the 2020 and 2016 elections.
In 2016, Cruz endorsed Trump after withdrawing from the presidential primaries. Despite Trump’s personal attacks on him during the campaign, Cruz later reportedly received an apology from Trump.
Even amid Trump’s ongoing legal battles, Cruz has continued to defend him, accusing Democrats of “weaponizing the legal system.”
Why It Matters: Cruz’s endorsement of Trump is particularly noteworthy given his previous criticisms of the former president. In 2016, Trump had publicly insulted Cruz during the presidential campaign. Despite this, Cruz has now thrown his support behind Trump for the 2024 election.
This development is also significant in the context of the 2024 presidential race. In a podcast episode of “Verdict With Ted Cruz” in September, Cruz raised the possibility of President Joe Biden being replaced as the Democratic nominee due to concerns about his age and potential corruption. Cruz’s recent endorsement of Trump adds an intriguing dimension to the unfolding dynamics of the 2024 election.
Image via Shutterstock
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