Secret Recordings Reveal Ted Cruz Sharply Criticized Trump, Vance to GOP Donors
Sen. Ted Cruz privately criticized President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in secret recordings, revealing deepening fissures within the Republican leadership as the GOP heads into the 2026 midterms. According to recordings obtained by Axios, Cruz warned donors that Trump’s tariff strategy could devastate the economy and imperil Republican control of Congress.
The disclosures raise tension between Cruz and the current administration, showing the Texas Republican sharply diverging from public messaging at a moment when unity is typically prioritized. In private donor meetings from early and mid-2025, Cruz lambasted Trump’s tariff agenda and predicted significant political fallout if prices rose and markets slumped.
Cruz reportedly told attendees that in a late-night call with Trump and senators, he warned the president of a looming “bloodbath” at the polls and that Trump responded, “F* you, Ted.” Cruz also questioned Vice President Vance’s foreign policy influence, suggesting Vance acted as a proxy for conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s agenda.
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These comments contrast sharply with Cruz’s public stance. A spokesperson reiterated that Cruz remains a strong Senate ally to Trump, even as the recordings illustrate internal GOP disagreements over trade and foreign policy.
The revelations matter as Republicans seek to defend congressional majorities in 2026 and as Cruz is widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender. The private critiques may signal strategic positioning ahead of that cycle.
What happens next: Additional GOP reactions and potential responses from the White House and Cruz campaign are expected in coming days as the fallout grows.
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