Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) engaged in a heated exchange with a TMZ reporter on Tuesday, deflecting questions about whether violent Capitol rioters should be eligible for a nearly $1.8 billion Department of Justice fund. The fund, created as part of a settlement in which President Donald Trump dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, has been criticized as a “slush fund” for Trump’s allies.
Confrontation with Reporter
In a clip from TMZ DC, reporter Charlie Cotton confronted Cruz about the fund, asking if Jan. 6 rioters should be eligible for a payday. Cruz immediately pivoted, accusing Cotton of ignoring alleged weaponization of the DOJ under President Joe Biden. “You know, I’m not surprised you’re worried about that, but I’m curious, were you worried at all when Joe Biden was weaponizing the Department of Justice—” Cruz began.
Cotton interrupted, “I don’t want to talk about Joe Biden.” Cruz shot back, “I know you don’t! I understand you got a political agenda.” Cotton denied this, stating, “No, I don’t. I just don’t want to pay Jan. 6 rioters.”
Dodging the Question
As Cotton pressed for a direct answer, Cruz insisted, “Look, look, look. I get — you get to ask the question, I get to give the answer.” When Cotton asked if he would answer, Cruz replied, “I’m giving you my answer.” The exchange continued with Cruz repeatedly bringing up Biden, despite Cotton’s insistence on a yes-or-no response.
Cruz, who previously likened rioters who attacked police officers to “terrorists,” avoided directly answering whether the 1,500 individuals charged or convicted for their role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack should be eligible for the fund. He instead accused Cotton of not being “remotely concerned” about Biden’s alleged weaponization of the DOJ.
Escape via Elevator
Cotton later asked again, “Do you think Jan. 6 rioters should be eligible for this money? Yes or no?” Cruz continued to talk about Biden, offering general statements about who should be “prosecuted and face consequences” (violent actors) and who should be “protected under the First Amendment” (peaceful protesters). As the elevator doors closed, Cotton tossed the question at him one last time. Cruz responded with a faint smile.
