Ted Cruz Attacks Trump’s Tariffs, Calls Them 'Taxes' That 'Hurt Jobs and Hurt America'

Cruz Sets Stage for 2028 Bid With Break from MAGA Playbook

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) appears to be positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential bid by distinguishing himself from the dominant MAGA wing of the Republican Party. While remaining loyal to President Donald Trump’s current agenda, Cruz has expressed skepticism of long-term tariffs, maintained a hawkish stance on Russia, and rejected proposals to raise taxes on the wealthy. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Cruz Slams Trump Tariffs as “Taxes” That “Hurt America”

By calling tariffs “taxes on American consumers,” Cruz has signaled his concern that Trump’s ongoing trade war, particularly the 145% tariff on Chinese imports, could become the “biggest tax increase we have seen in a long, long time” and ultimately “hurt jobs and hurt America.” Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cruz Sets Up Ideological Contrast With MAGA Heir JD Vance

According to reporting from The Hill, strategist Vin Weber said Cruz, 54, is “carving out a position for himself as the defender of traditional conservatism,” potentially setting up a contrast with Trump’s heir apparent, Vice President JD Vance. At 40, Vance is seen as the frontrunner in a future Republican primary and a loyal MAGA figure. Weber acknowledged Vance poses an “obvious problem” for any challengers, comparing his advantage to that of George H.W. Bush in 1988. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cruz Builds Profile With Legislation, Party Recognition

While Cruz is not openly campaigning, he has continued to build his profile. He recently sponsored the No Tax on Tips Act and is serving as chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cruz Takes Firm Stance on Ukraine

Cruz has also remained firm on national security, stating the war in Ukraine should end in a “clear and unequivocal loss for Russia and loss for [President Vladimir] Putin.” In contrast, the Trump administration has emphasized negotiation and peace through strength, with Vance toeing the administration’s line. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Trump Allies Dismiss Cruz Candidacy as “Pipe Dream”

Still, not all GOP voices see Cruz’s path forward. A strategist aligned with Trump dismissed Cruz’s potential run as a “pipe dream,” according to The Hill, adding, “He obviously didn’t prevail in 2016, and he campaigned on a similar posture.” Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Cruz Remains a Key Name in 2028 GOP Field

Nevertheless, Cruz's name remains on the shortlist of potential 2028 contenders alongside other senators like Tom Cotton, Josh Hawley, and Rand Paul. His ability to straddle traditional conservatism and Trump-aligned populism may define his strategy going forward. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia