Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said that former President Donald Trump, if he were to run again for president in 2024, would clear the GOP field.
Cruz ran for president in 2016 and faced off against Trump in a heated primary. Like other Republican challengers, Cruz was knocked out by Trump, who branded Cruz “Lyin’ Ted.”
“I’m sure it clears it out significantly,” Cruz said of a potential Trump run in 2024. “We’ll see what happens.”
“Look, the lay of the land is everyone is waiting to see what Trump decides to do,” the Texas senator continued. “Anyone who tells you they’re not is lying to you. And he’s going to decide on whatever time frame he desires.”
“I think he accomplished an enormous amount as president, and I was proud to work hand-in-hand with him in achieving results for the American people,” the Republican added.
Cruz told Fox News Digital that Trump is “going to do what he wants” in the next election cycle, and will continue to “remain an incredibly important leader in the United States.”
Trump has repeatedly teased a 2024 presidential run, though he has yet to formally announce a bid.
During a speech in Arizona on Saturday, Trump told supporters that they “may have to do it again” in 2024, suggesting a run, The Washington Examiner reported.
“And now, we may have to do it again,” he said. “I mean, look at, look at what has happened to our country in less than two years. Our country is like a different — it’s like a different place. It’s so sad to see.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump continued to tease a run for the presidency in 2024 at a rally in Arizona on Friday, saying that his "make America great again" movement will take the white house again… pic.twitter.com/U9ZE6chkNN
— ANews (@anews) July 23, 2022
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has become a star with conservatives, sparking rumors of a 2024 bid.
Speaking at Turning Point USA Student Action Summit this weekend, DeSantis took numerous shots at President Joe Biden, certainly not quieting rumors of a potential run.
“With Biden, you think of a guy staring into the teleprompter like a deer in the headlights,” DeSantis mocked.
“I must say he did test positive for COVID. And I want to, on the behalf of the state of Florida, wish President Biden a speedy recovery from COVID. And I also want to wish the United States of America a speedy recovery from Joe Biden,” the governor quipped.
DeSantis has also recently out-fundraised Trump, The Daily Wire reported this month.
Notably, the Republican is only 43 years old. Taking into account Cruz’s speculation, DeSantis might sit out in 2024 if Trump, 76, officially throws his hat into the ring.