Trump criticizes Cruz, refuses to endorse him: ‘He shouldn’t exist
Former President Donald Trump Upset with Republican Politicians
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly furious with Republican politicians who have refused to endorse him in the 2024 presidential race, including his former primary rival, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).
“Ted — he shouldn’t even exist,” Trump expressed, according to a source who overheard the comments. “I could’ve destroyed him. I kind of did destroy him in 2016, if you think about it. But then I let him live.”
Cruz ran against Trump in the 2016 GOP presidential primary, winning in Iowa and some other states but ultimately losing the Republican nomination to Trump. It wasn’t until September, two months after the Republican National Convention and less than two months before the election, that Cruz finally endorsed Trump.
Trump believes that simply saying they “support” him is not enough for politicians, as he is more interested in securing formal endorsements. He even boasted about receiving the endorsement of House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), stating that “they always bend the knee.” Trump’s previous criticism of Emmer had hindered his chances of becoming House speaker.
Despite the lack of endorsements from some Republican politicians, Trump remains the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination, leading in most polls and accumulating more endorsements than any other Republican candidate.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to Cruz’s office for comment.
What is Donald Trump’s belief about his ability to defeat Senator Ted Cruz in the 2016 GOP presidential primary and why did he choose not to?
Former President Donald Trump is experiencing frustration and anger towards Republican politicians who have chosen not to endorse him for the upcoming 2024 presidential race. Among those who have drawn Trump’s ire is his former primary rival, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).
According to a source who overheard his comments, Trump expressed his disdain for Cruz, saying, “Ted - he shouldn’t even exist. I could’ve destroyed him. I kind of did destroy him in 2016, if you think about it. But then I let him live.” This statement reflects Trump’s belief that he had the power to defeat Cruz in the 2016 GOP presidential primary but chose not to.
Cruz’s campaign against Trump in the 2016 primary garnered some success, as he won the Iowa caucus and several other states. However, Trump secured the Republican nomination, and it wasn’t until September, just two months before the 2016 election, that Cruz finally endorsed Trump.
While Cruz and other politicians may claim to “support” Trump, he is seeking more than just verbal agreement. Trump desires formal endorsements from these individuals, viewing them as a greater display of loyalty. He even boasted about obtaining the endorsement of House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), stating that “they always bend the knee.” It’s worth noting that Trump had previously criticized Emmer, potentially impacting his chances of becoming House speaker.
Despite the lack of endorsements from certain Republican politicians, Trump remains the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination. He is leading in most polls and has accumulated more endorsements than any other Republican candidate.
In light of Trump’s dissatisfaction, The Washington Examiner has reached out to Cruz’s office for comment. It remains to be seen how this rift between former President Trump and some Republican politicians will impact the 2024 presidential race and the party’s unity moving forward.
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