Ted Cruz Admits Donald Trump's 'Instinctual Genius' in Branding Him 'Lyin' Ted’ Was a Shrewd Political Tactic

Senator Ted Cruz acknowledged that President Donald Trump knew how to turn around their 2016 Republican primary rivalry, which I will admit was politically very effective. Look, the man has an instinctual genius," he said. Cruz discussed his relationship with Trump during a September 16 appearance on Pod Force One, a podcast hosted by Miranda Devine. Devine asked Cruz about his current relationship with Trump, noting he is seen as Trump's strongest supporter in the Senate. Cruz reflected on the tension during their primary, stating, "'It was an ugly primary.'" Cruz reminisced about the nickname Trump used, Lion Ted, during the campaign. He explained why that strategy worked well, saying, "'What was so effective about it was that my single strongest attribute was that the voters trusted me.'" Cruz added that Trump's instinct for turning strengths into attacks was effective, recalling Trump's actions with admiration. Later, Sarah Matthews, a former deputy press secretary in the Trump White House, reacted to Cruz's comments. She remarked on Cruz's appearance, joking, "'What the F is Ted Cruz wearing?' She concluded her comments about Cruz's relationship with Trump, saying, "'This man is so desperate for power that he willingly debases himself.'