In recent months, Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz has risen to prominence as one of the most vocal Trump loyalists. Immediately following the election, he attacked Philadelphia officials for election malpractice. In December, he was prepared to argue the Texas lawsuit seeking to invalidate election results in battleground states. In the run-up to the certification proceedings, he led the charge of Senate Republicans who promised to object on account of election fraud. He dismissed the recording of Trump pressuring a Georgia official and spoke out against impeachment efforts.

Cruz’s actions have drawn criticism from both sides, including prominent Trump allies. “Proposing a commission at this late date — which has zero chance of becoming reality — is not effectively fighting for President Trump,” U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC-R) tweeted. “It appears to be more of a political dodge than an effective remedy.”

Others have also questioned Cruz’s motives, suggesting that the senator’s support for the president was a matter of political expediency. They note the role of Cruz’s relationship with the president plays in diluting the support for his own supporters. 

The emphasis of Cruz’s tweet lies on refocusing the Republican Party. He quotes from the article: “The GOP should be America’s blue-collar, populist, outsider party, dedicated to individual and religious freedom. It should be the party that stands up to China. And it should do all this without saying or doing crazy things.” 

However, Cruz’ circulation of the article may be indicative of a larger shift away from his previously unwavering loyalty to the president. Following the attacks on Capitol Hill, the Texas senator vocalized criticism of the president. He commented that the president’s rhetoric “certainly contributed to the violence that occurred.” Cruz’s change in tone is consistent with the growing number of GOP speaking out against the president.