Ted Cruz's ‘secret’ recordings slamming Trump, JD Vance spark row in GOP- 5 key points

Axios reports private donor recordings from 2025 show Sen. Ted Cruz harshly criticizing Trump and JD Vance, especially over tariffs, sparking GOP infighting.

Updated on: Jan 25, 2026, 22:04:34 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

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Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a prominent Republican, has sparked a row in the ranks of the party after recordings of him slamming President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were reported on.

Senator Ted Cruz arrives via the subway in the basement of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a vote on January 14. (Getty Images via AFP)

On Sunday, Axios reported on exclusive recordings of Ted Cruz addressing donors at private meetings where Cruz vehemently tore into the Trump administration over their tariff and other policies. The recordings are from mid or late 2025, the report notes.

The recordings have not been made public in the Axios report. However, the outlet independently verified its authority and reported that Cruz was especially critical of Trump over his tariff policies.

Here's a breakdown of Senator Cruz's comments on Trump and Vance in 5 key points.

Ted Cruz vs Trump and JD Vance: 5 Key Points

1. Strong words for JD Vance

Senator Ted Cruz had some pretty strong words for JD Vance in the recordings Axios reported on. Cruz called JD Vance "a pawn" of conservative podcaster, Tucker Carlson. "Tucker created JD. JD is Tucker's protégé, and they are one and the same," Cruz reportedly told in one of the meetings.

2. Ted Cruz Bidding For White House Run

Per Axios, the recordings are a testimony to how Senator Ted Cruz is preparing for a potential White House run on an anti-Trump Republican ticket. He is believed to be planning to challenge JD Vance for the VP ticket in the upcoming GOP primaries.

3. Recounts Tariff Discussion With Trump

Ted Cruz is one of the Senator on the GOP ranks who have opposed the tariff regime Trump introduced after assuming office in January 2025. In the recordings, he reportedly recalled a discussion with Trump that ended with Trump saying: "F*** you, Ted."

Also read: Is Ted Cruz back in Texas from Laguna Beach? Flight photo amid severe winter storm sparks row

4. Trump Told Ted Cruz 'F*** You'

Cruz tells in the recordings that after the introduction of the tariff, Cruz and a few other Senators had a call with Trump about the tariffs. Cruz reportedly said in the meeting that the call with Trump "did not go well."

He reportedly told Trump that if the GOP "get to November (2026) and people's 401(k)s are down 30% and prices are up 10–20% at the supermarket, we're going to go into Election Day, face a bloodbath." In response, Trump said: "F*** you, Ted."

5. Source Of The Recording Under Scanner

The recording that has sparked a row are not available in the public domain. Axios states in the report that they were provided by a "Republican source." The details of the source's relation to Cruz or the GOP were not clarified. The total length of the recordings is 10 minutes, the report noted.

Note: Ht.com could not independently verify the authenticity of the recordings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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