Ted Cruz: The work we are doing is ‘generationally transformative’

Key Concepts

• America First Principles/Trumpian Principles/Cruzian Principles: A political ideology prioritizing national interests, border security, tax cuts, and deregulation.
• Reconciliation Bill: A legislative procedure in the US Senate allowing passage of bills with a simple majority (50 votes), bypassing the filibuster.
• SAVE America Act: Proposed legislation focused on voting integrity, including requirements for photo ID and proof of citizenship.
• DHS Funding Dispute: Current political standoff regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats potentially forcing a shutdown.
• Trump Tax Cuts: Tax legislation passed in 2017, including provisions for school choice and “Trump Accounts.”
• “Wussy RINO Republican”: A derogatory term used to describe Republicans perceived as insufficiently conservative.
• Trump Derangement Syndrome: A term used to describe extreme opposition to Donald Trump and his policies.

Senator Ted Cruz on the State of the Union and GOP Strategy

This discussion with Larry Kudlow centers on Senator Ted Cruz’s assessment of Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, the current state of the Republican Party, and strategies for success in upcoming elections. The core argument revolves around the effectiveness of adhering to “America First” principles, as exemplified by Trump, and the dangers of compromising those principles.

Trump’s State of the Union and Record of Success

Senator Cruz lauded Trump’s State of the Union address as “magnificent,” characterizing it as a “litany of success.” He emphasized the unprecedented accomplishments of the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress, claiming more was achieved in the last year (2023/2024) than in any year since he began serving in the Senate (spanning 14 State of the Union addresses). Specific achievements highlighted include:

• Border Security: A 99% drop in illegal border crossings.
• Drug Overdose Deaths: A 20% decrease in drug overdose deaths nationwide.
• Gas Prices: Reduction from $6 to $2 per gallon.
• Trump Tax Cuts: Specifically, the provisions for school choice (described as the “biggest and boldest federal school choice plan ever enacted”) and “Trump Accounts” (designed to provide seed money for children’s future investments).

The Shift in GOP Strategy and the Importance of Principle

Kudlow posits that Trump effectively provided the Republican Party with its midterm election talking points by focusing on successes and outlining key issues. Cruz agrees, stating that “principled politics works” and that compromising or adopting “wussy RINO politics” has historically been ineffective. He advocates for Republicans to “just do what you said you would do” and to fulfill promises made to voters, mirroring Trump’s approach of “promises made, promises kept.”

Cruz stresses the importance of unwavering adherence to core beliefs, such as school choice and providing opportunities for economic advancement. He believes this resolute stance is crucial for winning elections and maintaining a strong political identity. He noted a clear contrast between strong leadership and results versus “angry and extreme partisanship.”

The DHS Funding Crisis and Potential Reconciliation Bill

The conversation shifts to the current impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Cruz criticizes Democrats for being “captive to their left-wing extreme” and potentially forcing a shutdown. He explains that the shutdown primarily impacts agencies like FEMA, the TSA, and the Coast Guard, while I.C.E. remains fully funded.

He advocates for utilizing another reconciliation bill – a legislative tool that bypasses the Senate filibuster and requires only 50 votes for passage – to secure funding and advance Republican priorities. He cites previous successful uses of reconciliation to pass the Trump tax cuts, school choice programs, and border security measures.

The Democratic Party and Border Security

Cruz strongly asserts that the Democratic Party is still the “open borders party,” despite any claims to the contrary. He highlights a pivotal moment during the State of the Union address when Trump challenged Democrats to stand in support of prioritizing American citizens over illegal aliens, and that no Democrats did so. He argues this demonstrates the party’s allegiance to “crazy activists” over the needs of their constituents, a phenomenon he terms “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” He also noted that deporting murderers reduces murders, a point he described as “Cruzian logic.”

Voting Rights and the SAVE America Act

Kudlow inquires about the possibility of including new voting rights provisions – specifically photo ID and proof of citizenship – in a potential reconciliation bill. Cruz acknowledges that this would be “very challenging” due to statutory rules limiting reconciliation bills to budgetary matters. However, he reaffirms his commitment to the SAVE America Act and proposes a “talking filibuster” – requiring Democrats to continuously debate the bill to prevent its passage – as a tactic to force a vote. He referenced his own 21-hour filibuster against Obamacare as an example.

Notable Quotes

• Larry Kudlow: “He [Trump] gave the entire GOP what I’m going to call the new Trump GOP, but he gave the entire Republican Party its midterm election talking points.”
• Senator Ted Cruz: “I am confident in all of recorded history Donald Trump will never be described as some wussy RINO Republican.”
• Senator Ted Cruz: “Promises made, promises kept.”
• Senator Ted Cruz: “Every Democrat said who are you fighting for, the American people or illegal aliens?”

Conclusion

Senator Cruz presents a strong defense of Trump’s policies and a clear vision for the Republican Party’s future. He emphasizes the importance of unwavering adherence to “America First” principles, utilizing legislative tools like reconciliation bills to overcome Democratic obstruction, and focusing on delivering tangible results for the American people. The conversation underscores a significant shift within the GOP, characterized by a rejection of compromise and a commitment to bold, principled action. The ongoing DHS funding dispute and the fight for voting rights are presented as key battlegrounds in this evolving political landscape.