Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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During a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, President Trump praised Senator Ted Cruz as an “amazing guy” and said he was considering nominating him to the Supreme Court, despite Cruz previously stating he was not interested in the role.
Why it matters
Trump’s comments about appointing Cruz to the Supreme Court are notable given Cruz’s reputation as a political rival of the president, as well as Cruz’s own past statements that he does not want a seat on the high court. This suggests Trump may be looking to appoint a conservative justice who could help overturn the court’s recent rulings against some of the president’s policies.
The details
At the rally, Trump praised Cruz as “an amazing guy” and said he was thinking of nominating him for a future Supreme Court vacancy, even though Cruz had said in January that he wasn’t interested in the job. Trump suggested Cruz would get 100% of both Democratic and Republican votes, joking that both parties would back his confirmation just to move him out of the Senate. While Cruz has previously expressed opposition to Trump’s tariff policies, the president is currently unhappy with the Supreme Court’s ruling that struck down most of his tariffs.
The rally took place on February 28, 2026 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
What they’re saying
“He’ll get 100% of the Democrat vote, 100% of the Republican vote.”
— Donald Trump, President (USA Today)
“[Cruz is] such a pain in the a– but also so good and so talented.”
— Donald Trump, President (USA Today)
What’s next
There are currently no Supreme Court vacancies, so any potential nomination of Cruz would have to wait until a future opening arises.
The takeaway
Trump’s suggestion to nominate his former rival Cruz to the Supreme Court, despite Cruz’s past disinterest, indicates the president may be looking to appoint a conservative justice who could help overturn rulings that have gone against some of his policies.