Senator says he declined Trump’s offer three times to be Supreme Court justice

Politics
17 Apr 2026 • 5:54 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Senator says he declined Trump’s offer three times to be Supreme Court justice

  • President Donald Trump seriously discussed nominating Sen. Ted Cruz to the U.S. Supreme Court three times during his first term.
  • Senator Cruz declined these offers, stating he prefers to remain in the political battle in Congress rather than serve on the high court.
  • Cruz emphasized the need for principled free-market conservatives in elected office who can fight and win, rather than being a judge himself.
  • Trump recently spoke about the possibility of facing new Supreme Court vacancies during his second term, with speculation surrounding Justice Samuel Alito.
  • During his first administration, Trump successfully appointed three justices, establishing a 6-3 conservative supermajority on the court.

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