Senator Ted Cruz has issued a stark warning to fellow Republicans: if Donald Trump’s aggressive “liberation day” tariffs spark a recession, the GOP could face a political “bloodbath” in the 2026 midterms.
Speaking on his Verdict podcast, the Texas senator didn’t hold back, cautioning that prolonged tariffs—and inevitable global retaliation—could ignite a devastating trade war. “That would destroy jobs here at home and do real damage to the U.S. economy,” Cruz said, voicing growing concern within Republican ranks over Trump’s proposed reciprocal duties on imports.
Cruz’s comments come as momentum builds in Congress to reclaim authority over trade policy. On Thursday, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), aimed at curbing unilateral tariff powers. The bill has since gained support from GOP senators Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, Jerry Moran, and Thom Tillis.
Though largely symbolic, the legislation underscores mounting anxiety after a $5.4 trillion drop in stock market value over two days and a string of underwhelming GOP performances at the ballot box—including a Trump-backed candidate’s defeat in a pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race, and disappointing results in two Florida congressional contests.
Cruz warned that some voices inside the administration appear committed to making the tariffs permanent, a move he says could push the U.S. into “a particularly bad recession.” He added, “If we’re in the middle of a downturn and Americans are hurting, voters will punish the party in power—2026 could be a political bloodbath. We could lose the House. We might even lose the Senate.”
While the White House insists the tariffs will fuel a booming economy, Cruz isn’t convinced. “If every country on Earth slaps us with retaliatory tariffs and we stay locked into these levies, the outcome will be devastating,” he said.
Still, Cruz extended an olive branch to the administration, signaling openness to working together—if there’s a course correction.
