Former President Donald Trump suggested that Democrats would overwhelmingly support Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) for a Supreme Court appointment, stating he is the only candidate who could garner unanimous votes from both parties. Trump made these remarks on Monday during an event at the Oval Office to launch Trump Accounts, a program designed to encourage young Americans' participation in the stock market.
Introducing Cruz, Trump described him as a "tough competitor" who later became a "friend," referencing Cruz's unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign against him. "He’s done a wonderful job as a senator, highly respected," Trump said of Cruz. "In fact, somebody said, ‘Will you ever appoint him to the U. S. Supreme Court, because he’s a brilliant lawyer?’ I said, ‘Well, he’s the only one I can think of that’s going to get 100 votes. All Republicans will vote for him. All Democrats will vote him because they want to get him the hell out of the Senate.’"
Trump elaborated, "If I was having a hard time with getting the votes, I would appoint Ted Cruz. I get 100%, a guarantee."
The former president has appointed three of the last four Supreme Court justices, establishing a conservative majority on the bench. Recent media speculation about a potential fourth vacancy arose last month after NPR retracted a report suggesting Justice Samuel Alito was nearing retirement.
Cruz appeared to laugh off Trump's comments during the event. The senator has largely avoided discussing his political future, telling Fox News in November that his focus remains on his duties representing Texans.