The statements by Cruz, who is considering running for president in 2028, took place during two meetings with party donors held in 2025. They last almost ten minutes and were provided to Axios by a Republican source. In them, Cruz warns that Trump's tariffs could destroy the economy and claims that he and several senators tried to convince the president to change his decision.
What consequences does Ted Cruz predict if introducing fees?
What does Ted Cruz say about Trump's tariffs?
When did Cruz's meetings with donors take place?
What comments were made during Trump's conversation with Cruz?
In early April last year, Donald Trump announced a “liberation day.” He introduced a minimum of 10%. tariffs on imports from all countries, he also announced higher “reciprocal tariffs”, including for the European Union (20%), China (34%) and India (26%).
Cruz allegedly warned Trump that tariffs would lead to impeachment. The president shouted and cursed
– Mr. President, if by November [2026 r.] If savings in 401(k) retirement accounts drop by 30% and supermarket prices increase by 10-20%, we will have a bloodbath on Election Day, says a Republican senator in one of the recordings. He also warns Donald Trump about losing support in the House of Representatives and the Senate. “You will be impeached every week for the next two years,” adds Cruz, as quoted by Axios.
A 401(k) is a popular retirement plan in the US that allows employees to put aside a portion of their pre-tax salary into an invested account, often with employer matching.
According to the American portal, the conversation lasted until late at night, and the president was very nervous, shouting and using profanity. Trump reportedly ended the discussion with the senator with the words: “F**k you, Ted.”
The senator also hits out at JD Vance. His spokesman accuses him of sowing divisions
According to Axios, the hero of the leaked recordings is also the Vice President of the United States. In them, Cruz portrays Vance as a pawn in the game of conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson. “They are one and the same person,” Cruz says. He also suggests that Carlson promotes anti-Semitism and anti-Israel foreign policy, and Vance follows his political line.
Cruz's spokesman commented on the recordings. “Attempts to sow division are pathetic and boring,” he writes in a statement sent to Axios. He also ensures that the senator is the US president's greatest ally in the Senate.
According to the portal's journalists, spokesmen for Donald Trump and JD Vance did not respond to requests for comment.
