Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has definitively rejected the possibility of serving on the U.S. Supreme Court, stating that his response to a nomination from former President Donald Trump would be "not just no, but hell no." Cruz expressed his preference for remaining in his current political role over a position on the high court during an appearance on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast.
"So look, my answer is not just no, but hell no. And listen, I don’t say that lightly. I mean, it’s a big deal. The court is an institution I revere," Cruz told Hannity. He acknowledged that many might find his stance surprising given his extensive legal background and past involvement with the court.
Before entering politics, Cruz graduated from Princeton University and earned a law degree from Harvard Law School. He later clerked for Chief Justice William Rehnquist and engaged in private practice. Cruz served as the solicitor general of Texas from 2003 to 2008, during which time he argued nine cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump had previously floated Cruz's name as a potential Supreme Court nominee. In 2020, Cruz was reportedly on a shortlist of potential picks for the president. At that time, Cruz stated he was grateful for Trump's confidence and acknowledged the honor of being considered, emphasizing the court's unique role in defending the Constitution.
During the podcast, Cruz, who had a notable rivalry with Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, referred to Trump as a "good friend." However, he elaborated on his decision by explaining his view that federal judges should abstain from political and policy battles. "Because a principled federal judge stays out of politics and stays out of policy fights," Cruz said, indicating his desire to remain actively involved in these arenas.
Cruz was sworn into the Senate in 2013 and has since stated his commitment to continuing his work in the Senate preserving constitutional liberties.