Ted Cruz Takes A Thinly Veiled Swipe At Vance As MAGA World Implodes

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has appeared frequently on television lately, including in a controversial recent appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay. This has sparked speculation about whether Cruz, who ran for president in 2016, might run for the White House again.

Cruz appeared this week on a podcast, where he said he favors a full presidential primary in 2028 on the Republican side, rather than crowning any particular candidate.

Ted Cruz doesn’t see a clear GOP presidential successor in 2028: ‘No Donald Trump on the horizon’ https://t.co/4vsuCbqwPu pic.twitter.com/JMhlslJF5q

— New York Post (@nypost) September 16, 2026

“I think we are going to have a full and vigorous primary and discussion. I think the voters are going to decide who we are and what do we believe, and what matters,” Cruz said on the Pod Force One podcast this week.

“President Trump is a unique historical figure. I’m going to say right now, there is no Donald Trump on the horizon to succeed.”

Per the Daily Beast, this was widely seen as a shot at Vice President JD Vance, who is expected to attempt to succeed Trump. Trump has not said that is endorsing Vance or any other candidate.

Cruz, new to the Senate at the time, ran in the crowded 2016 primary, even defeating Trump in the Iowa caucuses. Cruz stayed in that race longer than most, emerging as one of the first “Never-Trumpers” and even refusing to endorse Trump in his speech at the Republican convention. But during the general election campaign, Cruz abruptly switched to supporting Trump, and has remained a backer ever since.

When the podcast’s host, New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, said she expected that Trump would like to see a competitive primary to replace him, Cruz agreed.

“I could certainly see that,” Cruz said. “I think the democratic process is a good way to decide who we are, what we believe. It’s a good way to vet people. What’s your record? What have you done?”

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) says, “It’s no secret that I want to be president,” on Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s podcast.

Cruz has said he is focused on the midterm elections and that the conversation about a 2028 run will come later. pic.twitter.com/SpfJyID5du

— VoteHub (@VoteHub) August 30, 2026

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More honest than most politicians, at least on that point, Cruz said in an interview last month that it’s “no secret” that he wants to be president.

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