Politics

Ted Cruz Under Fire For Breaking With MAGA On Tariffs: ‘We Voted For This’

Published

1 week ago

April 7, 2025

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is drawing heat from Trump-aligned conservatives after publicly questioning the long-term use of tariffs—just days after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs against nearly every nation in the world.

In his latest episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, the Texas senator warned listeners that the U.S. is at a “fork in the road,” framing Trump’s dramatic tariff expansion as a potential turning point. But instead of backing permanent protectionist measures, Cruz urged Trump to use the moment as leverage—rather than a lasting policy.

“We are living in extraordinary times,” Cruz said at the start of the podcast. “This past week, President Trump announced tariffs on virtually every country on earth. The highest tariff level since 1933. Every country is freaking out. The American stock market has been in dramatic decline. Six trillion dollars of value disappeared in 48 hours.”

“If President Trump uses this moment as leverage, he’s got an extraordinary opportunity to lower tariffs of every country on earth to U.S. goods and to lower our own tariffs in response,” Cruz said. “That would be a great outcome, a massive victory for the American people.”

But it was his next line that appeared to ignite fury among the MAGA faithful.

“On the other hand, there are voices in the White House that want high tariffs forever,” Cruz added. “There are angels and demons sitting on President Trump’s shoulders. Who does he listen to? I hope he listens to the angels.”

WATCH:

That comment—implying Trump might be swayed by more extreme protectionist advisers—triggered a wave of backlash on social media, where conservative users accused Cruz of betraying the America First movement.

“Stop. You and the others are frauds. We voted for this,” posted one user. “It’s time to bring our manufacturing back home. You and the 6 others aligning with Democrats is pathetic.”

Stop. You and the others are frauds. We voted for this. It’s time to bring our manufacturing back home. You and the 6 others aligning with democrats is pathetic. Where was this concern when they tariffed America for years. And honestly, you represent Americans.

— Kate (@kate_p45) April 7, 2025

Others questioned Cruz’s loyalty to the MAGA agenda altogether. “We want to rebuild American manufacturing, and we will primary you if you stand in the way of that,” warned another.

We want to rebuild American manufacturing, and we will primary you if you stand in the way of that.

— Nathan | Classical Conservative (@TheClassicalCon) April 7, 2025

One person asked, “I wonder what it would be like to have Republicans in Congress support President Trump and the MAGA agenda?”

You’re such a blow hard, Lyin Ted.

— Brenden Dilley (@WarlordDilley) April 7, 2025

In the past 24 hours, President Trump has intensified his tariff policies. He announced plans to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing does not remove its retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., and declared the termination of all ongoing trade negotiations with China.

Asian and European markets experienced substantial losses, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng plummeting 13.2%. Despite mounting concerns from economists and global leaders about a potential recession, Trump remains steadfast, comparing the tariffs to “medicine” necessary to correct trade imbalances.

Over 50 countries have sought trade negotiations with the U.S. in response to these developments.