A resurfaced clip from a 2016 CNN interview where Texas Senator Ted Cruz sharply criticized then-presidential candidate Donald Trump has ignited fresh debate online and among political observers, coming amid heightened tensions over a recent fatal shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis and Cruz’s recent defense of federal law enforcement actions.
The clip, from May 3, 2016, captures Cruz during his heated primary battle with Trump, delivering a pointed attack on the future president’s character just before suspending his own campaign after a loss in the Indiana primary.
In the interview, Cruz described Trump as “a pathological liar” who “doesn’t know the difference between truth and lies” and “lies practically every word that comes out of his mouth.” He further characterized Trump’s behavior as “straight out of a psychology textbook,” accusing him of routinely projecting lies onto others.
Reposting this for no particular reason…
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 25, 2026
Ted Cruz (2016): “I want to tell you what I really think of Donald Trump. This man is a pathological liar…He lies practically every word that comes out of his mouth…The man cannot tell the truth, but he combines it with being a… pic.twitter.com/ED1us7lCGK
Cruz went on to call Trump “a narcissist at a level I don’t think this country’s ever seen,” joking that “Donald Trump is such a narcissist that Barack Obama looks at him and goes, dude, what’s your problem?” He labeled Trump “utterly amoral,” noting that “morality does not exist for him.”
The senator referenced personal attacks, saying Trump had “went after Heidi directly and smeared my wife. Attacked her. Apparently, she’s not pretty enough for Donald Trump. I may be biased but I think if he’s making that allegation, he’s also legally blind.”
Cruz also addressed Trump’s history, stating, “Donald Trump is a serial philanderer and he boasts about it.” He highlighted an allegation about his father, saying, “Donald Trump went on national television and attacked my father. Donald Trump alleges that my dad was involved in assassinating JFK. Now, let’s be clear. This is nuts. This is not a reasonable position. This is just kooky. “Wrapping up with sarcasm, Cruz added, “And while I’m at it, I guess I should go ahead and admit, yes, my dad killed JFK, he’s secretly Elvis and Jimmy Hoffa is buried in his backyard.”
The remarks came at a pivotal moment in the 2016 Republican primary, as Trump secured the nomination and Cruz shifted from rival to eventual ally, endorsing Trump later that year despite the personal barbs. The two have since collaborated on policy matters, with Cruz supporting Trump’s 2024 campaign and aligning on issues like immigration enforcement.
The clip’s reemergence has gained traction on social media platforms and news outlets in recent weeks, coinciding with ongoing controversy surrounding the January 2026, shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. Authorities reported that Good was in her SUV when agents approached, and video footage shows a confrontation where her wife, Becca Good, recorded the encounter and urged her to drive away. Agents commanded her to exit the vehicle, followed by a crash and gunshots. Ross, who had been injured in a similar incident six months prior, fired after reportedly being struck by the vehicle.
The incident has sparked protests in Minneapolis and other cities, including Houston, with demonstrators calling for accountability and criticizing the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdowns. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice are investigating, while Minnesota state officials have sought greater involvement but faced limitations on access to evidence.
In a January 8 post, Cruz wrote, “Deadly force is a predictable consequence of the decision to disregard the instructions of law enforcement and endanger their lives. I’m grateful for ICE and the work they do to make our communities safer.”
Deadly force is a predictable consequence of the decision to disregard the instructions of law enforcement and endanger their lives.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 8, 2026
I’m grateful for ICE and the work they do to make our communities safer. pic.twitter.com/EQr4FJHKVv
He referenced local leaders, noting, “We’ve seen now the left-wing mayor of Minneapolis say to ICE, get the f out of town, although he did not abbreviate the word,” and “We’ve seen Tim Walz, the now disgraced Democrat governor of Minnesota, say that the state of Minnesota is at war with the federal government.”
The senator praised ICE, saying, “I’m grateful for ICE. I’m grateful for Border Patrol and law enforcement. They’re keeping our community safer. Your family safer. My family is safer. The men and women of ICE risk their life every day to keep us safer.”
Deadly force is a predictable consequence of the decision to disregard the instructions of law enforcement and endanger their lives.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 8, 2026
I’m grateful for ICE and the work they do to make our communities safer. pic.twitter.com/EQr4FJHKVv
The timing of the 2016 clip’s resurgence aligns with these developments, as debates over immigration policy intensify in Congress, particularly around the Department of Homeland Security funding bill passed by the House earlier this month. That legislation, which includes cuts to certain ICE operations but maintains overall support for the agency, has drawn criticism from Democrats amid the shooting’s fallout.
Observers note the clip highlights the evolution of Cruz’s relationship with President Trump, from sharp opponent in 2016 to steadfast supporter in recent years, including on stringent border measures. This contrast has fueled discussions about political alliances and consistency, especially as the incident in Minnesota underscores ongoing divisions over federal immigration enforcement.
