Ted Cruz Compares Tucker Carlson to Zohran Mamdani in Podcast Rant

Texas Senator Ted Cruz recently stirred controversy by comparing conservative commentator Tucker Carlson to Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, during an appearance on the podcast “Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith.” This remark marks a significant moment in a long-standing feud between Cruz and Carlson, particularly following the latter’s controversial interview with white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

During the podcast aired on October 26, 2023, Cruz discussed the implications of antisemitism within the Democratic Party and swiftly shifted his focus to Carlson, claiming he was “going down a very dark path.” He likened Carlson’s trajectory to that of Mamdani, asserting that both figures exemplify a dangerous trend. Cruz stated, “One of the things when you go down the road of antisemitism, it very quickly leads you to anti-capitalism and anti-Americanism. And Mamdani is a good example of that, where he’s an Islamist, but he’s also a socialist. And you look at Tucker… Tucker’s going down that road too, in a way that I think is very dangerous.”

The timing of Cruz’s comments coincided with Mamdani’s scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, marking their first interaction since Mamdani’s election victory. This context adds a layer of complexity to Cruz’s remarks, as Mamdani’s rise in politics represents a shift in the dynamics of New York’s political landscape.

Cruz’s criticism of Carlson follows a series of public disagreements, particularly after Carlson’s interview with Fuentes, which has led to significant backlash within conservative circles. Earlier this year, the two engaged in a heated exchange during a two-hour sit-down, where Carlson accused Cruz of implying he was antisemitic. Cruz, who identifies as a Christian Zionist, has been vocal about his stance against Carlson’s recent actions, positioning himself as a traditional Republican ahead of the 2028 elections.

In a speech at the Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention earlier this month, Cruz expressed frustration with his Republican colleagues, stating, “My colleagues, almost to a person, think what is happening is horrible, but a great many of them are frightened because he has one hell of a big megaphone.” This sentiment underscores the tension within the GOP regarding Carlson’s influence.

Furthermore, at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual summit, Cruz accused Carlson of spreading “a poison that is profoundly dangerous” and criticized him for not challenging Fuentes’ rhetoric more decisively. This ongoing conflict reflects broader divisions within the Republican Party as it grapples with issues of extremism and its implications for future political strategies.

In response to the backlash, Carlson dismissed his critics, telling them to “buzz off.” His defiance highlights the ongoing division in the conservative media landscape, particularly as figures like Cruz seek to redefine what it means to be a Republican in a changing political environment.

As this public dispute continues to unfold, it raises questions about the future of the GOP and the role of prominent media figures in shaping its narrative. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, the implications of these confrontations could have lasting effects on party unity and direction.