In a startling revelation from a secret recording, US Senator Ted Cruz has reportedly detailed a heated exchange with former President Donald Trump, where Cruz warned of dire electoral consequences if economic conditions continue to deteriorate.
Explosive Recording Reveals Tense Exchange
According to a private conversation obtained by Axios and shared with donors, Cruz cautioned Trump that Republicans would face a "bloodbath" in the November midterm elections if prices keep rising. The senator claimed this warning prompted Trump to respond with an expletive-laden retort, shouting "fuck you, Ted" during the phone call.
Economic Concerns Spark Political Confrontation
Cruz reportedly delivered this reality check to Trump following the president's announcement of sweeping tariffs, which came just months after Trump's return to the Oval Office in early 2025. The senator told donors that Trump was visibly unhappy during their conversation, yelling and cursing at Republican senators.
"Mr President, if we get to November of [2026] and people's 401(k)s are down 30% and prices are up 10–20% at the supermarket, we're going to go into election day, face a bloodbath," Cruz recounted telling Trump, according to the Axios report. "You're going to lose the House, you're going to lose the Senate, you're going to spend the next two years being impeached every single week."
Polling Data Supports Economic Anxiety
Recent polling data appears to validate Cruz's concerns about public sentiment. A New York Times/Siena poll reveals that only 34% of respondents approve of how Trump has handled the cost of living, while a substantial 64% disapprove. The Times further reports evidence suggesting economic issues may be motivating those who voted for Trump in 2024 but now express disapproval of his performance.
Recording Also Targets Vice-President and Media Figure
The secret recording reportedly contains additional explosive content beyond the Trump confrontation. Cruz allegedly used the opportunity to attack Vice-President JD Vance, linking him directly to conservative media personality Tucker Carlson.
Connection Between Vance and Carlson Exposed
"Tucker created JD. JD is Tucker's protégé, and they are one and the same," Cruz reportedly stated in the recording. This comment highlights the significant divisions within conservative circles regarding foreign policy approaches.
Cruz further accused both Vance and Carlson of orchestrating the removal of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, allegedly because Waltz supported military action against Iran. This revelation follows Cruz's own heated interview with Carlson last year, which exposed substantial disagreements on the right concerning international affairs.
Official Response and Ongoing Developments
A spokesperson for Cruz's office has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations. The recording's emergence adds another layer of complexity to the already turbulent landscape of US politics as the midterm elections approach.
The incident underscores the growing tensions within the Republican party as economic pressures mount and electoral strategies diverge. With voters increasingly concerned about inflation and financial stability, such internal conflicts could have significant implications for the upcoming election cycle.
