The United States Senator hailing from the great state of Texas, Ted Cruz (R-TX), has ditched his prominent beard for the more trendy mustache. The Lone Star State has seen some famous men don facial hair, such as Shaquille O'Neal, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. But politicians — mostly in the modern age — aren't necessarily known for their facial features.
Well, it appears Sen. Cruz has made a massive modification to his beard and opted for the mustache. Here's a look:
Washington, D.C., can be a hairy place. But this morning’s committee hearing reminded me just how important it is to cut waste, shave down our debt, and trim down the size of our government. pic.twitter.com/2kYUcHqwuc
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 1, 2025
"Washington, D.C., can be a hairy place," said Sen. Cruz. "But this morning’s committee hearing reminded me just how important it is to cut waste, shave down our debt, and trim down the size of our government."
Cruz grew out his beard for the first time in his political career after he defended his seat in the Senate for the first time in November of 2018. Since then, it's been a staple of his appearance, giving him a more roughened look compared to the baby-faced era of the beginning of his political career.
Cruz commented on the change of his style in January of 2019, relaying that a Rabbi told his friend that the beard looked good and could "put the fear of the Lord into Israel's enemies" and perhaps bring peace to the region.
"Pretty cool: A good friend is studying in Yeshiva in Israel. His rabbi told him he liked my beard, elaborating 'It gives Cruz a Talmudic & Rabbinic look & presence that will put the fear of the Lord into Israel’s enemies & promote Middle East peace.' Wow. Perhaps a bit much...." said Cruz.
Beards are not a common occurrence in modern day politics. Vice President JD Vance (R) is the first VP in nearly 100 years to wear any facial hair at all. President Harry Truman was the last president to wear whiskers as he sported a goatee in the 40s.
If Ted Cruz won the 2016 presidential election, would he still have elected to switch to the beard (or even the mustache he has now) eventually? We will never know.
Also: April Fool's. No mustache for Sen. Cruz — yet.
Texas isn’t just where we’re from—it’s who we are. This #TexasTuesday, I met with constituents who embody the values that make the Lone Star State great.
I’m committed to fighting for you every single day in the Senate. pic.twitter.com/l4IoA8Ib1C
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) April 1, 2025
