President Trump joked that nominating Ted Cruz to the Supreme Court would win unanimous bipartisan approval—because both parties desperately want him out of the Senate.
Story Snapshot
- Trump praised Cruz’s elite legal skills while ribbing his Senate unpopularity during a Texas port visit.
- Cruz argued nine Supreme Court cases, more than any Texas lawyer or congressman at his 2012 Senate run.
- Remarks timed days before Texas midterms, amid energy talks and Iran strike discussions.
- No formal nomination; pure speculation highlighting Cruz’s qualifications versus congressional friction.
Trump’s Texas Remarks Ignite Supreme Court Buzz
President Donald Trump visited the Port of Corpus Christi on Friday. He delivered speeches on energy and economic growth. Senator Ted Cruz accompanied him along with other lawmakers. Trump turned to Cruz and quipped about elevating him to the Supreme Court. Lawmakers from both parties would cheer, Trump said, eager to remove Cruz from Congress. The comment drew laughs but spotlighted Cruz’s contentious Senate style.
Cruz’s Impressive Legal Resume
Ted Cruz earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. He served as Texas Solicitor General before entering politics. In that role, Cruz argued eight cases before the Supreme Court. He later added a ninth in private practice. By his 2012 Senate campaign, no practicing Texas lawyer or member of Congress matched his Supreme Court arguments. Trump called him “amazing,” “talented,” and “smart.”
Trump acknowledged confirmation battles, noting nominations prove “very tough.” He added Cruz solves problems: “If we ever had a problem, I just pick Ted. That would solve that problem.” Despite labeling Cruz “a pain in the a–,” Trump’s praise aligned with conservative priorities for originalist judges rooted in limited government.
Senate Tenure Fuels the Joke
Cruz joined the Senate in 2013. He champions limited government, economic expansion, and national security. His 2016 presidential bid ended May 3 after losing Indiana’s primary to Trump. Colleagues across aisles view him as disruptive. Trump’s jest captured this reality: Democrats and Republicans alike tire of Cruz’s confrontational approach. Yet his record bolsters Trump’s nomination tease.
The event overlapped Iran tensions. Trump consulted Cruz and others on potential military action, calling it a “very big decision.” Energy policy dominated, but the Supreme Court aside drew attention. Timing neared Texas’ March 3 midterm primaries, amplifying political ripples.
Political Ripples and Long-Term Stakes
Trump’s words generated headlines, showcasing his rapport with Cruz despite 2016 rivalry. They reinforced Cruz’s image as Senate outlier without shifting his seat immediately. Speculation swirled on vacancies and Trump’s picks. Conservatives see upside: Cruz’s litigation depth could reshape jurisprudence toward restraint.
A real nomination would precedent sitting senators with Court experience. Senate Republicans lose a fighter; Democrats shed a foe. Limited data tempers full predictions, but facts affirm Cruz’s fit for bench over Capitol Hill. Common sense favors proven advocates for constitutional fidelity.
Sources:
The Daily Beast: Donald Trump Pitches Ted Cruz, ‘Everyone’s Most-Hated Senator,’ for SCOTUS


