Brief Summary
This interview with Senator Ted Cruz covers a wide range of foreign policy issues, including Iran, Syria, Russia, and the influence of foreign governments on US policy. Cruz defends his positions by emphasizing American national security interests and criticizes what he sees as isolationist or morally relativistic viewpoints. The discussion also touches on domestic issues, such as the state of American cities and the role of government.
- Cruz advocates for a foreign policy centered on American national interests, not interventionism or isolationism.
- He supports a strong alliance with Israel, citing shared security interests and intelligence benefits.
- Cruz blames the Biden administration for weakness that led to the war in Ukraine and criticizes their handling of the conflict.
Why Does Cruz Want Regime Change in Iran?
Senator Ted Cruz supports regime change in Iran, believing the U.S. would be better off with a leader who is friendly rather than hostile. He clarifies that this change should come through a popular uprising, not military intervention. While acknowledging the difficulty of achieving regime change, as seen in Cuba and Venezuela, Cruz maintains that the objective is valid given the Ayatollah's anti-American stance. He differentiates his position from advocating military force for regime change, focusing instead on supporting the Iranian people's desire for a different government.
Is the US Currently Acting in Its Own Best Interest?
Cruz defines his foreign policy as a "non-interventionist hawk," prioritizing U.S. national security interests above all else. He believes that strength deters war, echoing Reagan's "peace through strength" approach. Cruz aligns himself with Trump's foreign policy, which he sees as similarly focused on American interests. He emphasizes that decisions about America's foreign policy should be based on America's national interest.
Was Regime Change in Syria Beneficial to the US?
Cruz opposed military intervention in Syria under Obama, arguing it wasn't in America's interest. He questioned the Obama administration's plan, fearing radical Islamic groups would fill the power vacuum if Assad were toppled. Cruz highlights Netanyahu's view that Israel's actions against Hezbollah weakened Assad's support, ultimately contributing to his downfall. He views the outcome in Syria as unclear, with a religious extremist now leading after the ousting of a secular leader.
Was the Iraq War a Mistake?
Cruz opposed the Iraq War, viewing it as a mistake that led to the rise of ISIS. He criticizes the interventionist approach of toppling dictators without a clear plan for what comes next, citing Libya as another example where the removal of Gaddafi led to radical Islamic warlords taking over. Cruz contrasts this with the successful regime change in the Soviet Union, achieved through economic and ideological pressure rather than military force. He emphasizes the importance of shining a light on the depravity of leaders as a powerful tool for change.
Why Aren’t US Politicians Focused on Fixing America’s Problems?
Cruz acknowledges the significant problems within the U.S., such as debt, suicide rates, and homelessness, and agrees on the need to focus on domestic issues. He attributes these problems to liberal policies and cultural factors. Cruz supports empowering people through low taxes and free enterprise. He criticizes the Democratic leadership in cities like D.C., for policies that lead to increased crime and homelessness.
How Much Money Is the US Sending to Israel?
Cruz states that the U.S. provides approximately $3 billion in military assistance to Israel annually through a memorandum of understanding. He defends this support as being massively in America's national security interest, citing intelligence sharing and the overlap in enemies between the two countries. Cruz argues that the national security benefits of the alliance with Israel would cost far more to recreate independently.
Does Cruz Think It’s Okay That Foreign Governments Spy on America?
Cruz acknowledges that allies, including Israel, likely spy on the U.S., and the U.S. spies on them, viewing it as a normal part of international relations. He justifies this by stating that it is conservative to recognize that human beings act in their own self-interest. While he doesn't necessarily like it, he accepts it as a reality.
How Much Money Has Cruz Taken From AIPAC?
Cruz clarifies that while AIPAC raises money for him, the contributions come from individual members who support the American-Israeli friendship, not directly from the organization. He states his intention upon entering Congress was to be a leading defender of Israel. Cruz denies that AIPAC is a foreign lobby, asserting it lobbies for a strong U.S.-Israeli relationship.
To What Extent Is the US Government Influenced by Foreign Governments?
Cruz argues that AIPAC's goals are not shaped by the Israeli government and denies any coordination between them. He defends his support for Israel by citing his Christian faith and the belief that those who bless Israel will be blessed. Cruz states that Israel is America's strongest ally in the Middle East, and supporting them benefits America.
Is the Israel of the Bible the Same as the Current Israeli Government?
Cruz explains that his support for Israel stems from his Christian belief in blessing Israel, as stated in the Bible. He equates the nation of Israel mentioned in Genesis with the modern political entity of Israel. Cruz believes that Iran is a significant national security threat due to its pursuit of nuclear weapons and the Ayatollah's hostility towards America and Israel.
How Does Funding Israel Benefit the US?
Cruz believes Israel is doing a massive favor to America by trying to eliminate Iran's nuclear capacity. He acknowledges reports of Iran attempting to assassinate Donald Trump and other former officials. Cruz states that the U.S. military and intelligence community have told Congress that Iran is trying to murder Donald Trump and has hired hitmen.
What Happens Next in Iran?
Cruz reiterates his support for regime change in Iran but does not advocate for U.S. military involvement in achieving it. He believes that Iran with a nuclear weapon is an unacceptable risk to America and that complete dismantlement of their nuclear program is necessary. Cruz supports Israel taking out Iran's senior military leadership and nuclear capabilities.
What Really Is an Isolationist?
Cruz defines isolationism as a foreign policy approach that avoids military action in every circumstance. He contrasts this with his own view, which supports military action when it is in America's interest. Cruz believes that weakness and isolationism encourage war, while strength promotes peace.
Are There Iranian Assassins Trying to Kill Trump?
Cruz believes that the Iranian government is currently trying to murder Donald Trump and has paid hitmen to do so. He supports military action against Iran in response to this threat. Cruz states that the U.S. military and intelligence agencies have testified before Congress that Iran is trying to murder Donald Trump and has hired hitmen.
Cruz Knows Nothing About Iran and Wants to Destroy It Anyway
Cruz defends his call for toppling the government, stating that he would use economic sanctions and moral persuasion to try to effectuate. He states that he doesn't sit around memorizing population tables. Cruz states that he is not the Tucker Carlson expert on Iran.
Trump’s Response to Tucker’s Position on Iran
Cruz reads a statement from Donald Trump, who defends his "America First" policy and emphasizes the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump's statement is directed at those who advocate for peace but do not support taking action against Iran's nuclear program.
Cruz Refuses to Apologize for Supporting the Disastrous Ukraine/Russia War
Cruz blames Biden's weakness and disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan for inviting Putin to invade Ukraine. He also points to Biden's decision to waive sanctions on Nordstream 2 as a contributing factor. Cruz states that he authored the legislation that shut down Nordstream 2 that prevented the war.
Why Does Cruz Think Zelensky Is a Hero?
Cruz states that he doesn't recall ever using the word hero to describe Zelensky. He states that he is not a Zelensky cheerleader. Cruz states that he is not in the morality game, he is in the US interest game.
Why Did Cruz Support the Blowing up of Nord Stream?
Cruz believes that blowing up Nord Stream was a good thing. He states that he was in favor of stopping it. Cruz states that he doesn't think America did that.
Is Russia an Enemy of the US?
Cruz believes that Putin is a KGB thug and a bad man. He states that he doesn't want to go to war with him over that. Cruz states that he is not naive.
Is America the Moral Authority?
Cruz states that there is a moral difference between America and our enemies. He states that the whole purpose of America is to protect the God-given rights that each person possesses by virtue of being created by God. Cruz states that he loves America.
