By Matt Underwood Ted Cruz: MAGA “will regret” what it did to Jimmy Kimmel
Ted Cruz, in an unexpected twist, seems to be aligning himself with a viewpoint that many people, myself included, find themselves surprisingly agreeing with: that the actions taken against Jimmy Kimmel by some within the MAGA movement were a step too far. This is not a straightforward endorsement of Kimmel, nor is it an abandonment of Cruz’s core political affiliations. Instead, it’s a recognition of a dangerous precedent. It’s a statement that resonates with the fundamental principles of free speech and the potential for a backlash when those principles are violated.
This alignment is happening in a political climate where even the most ardent critics of the left are beginning to question some of the tactics employed by the Trump wing of the Republican party. There’s a palpable discomfort when individuals like Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and even Megyn Kelly voice concerns about the direction things are heading. It’s not that they are suddenly embracing the progressive agenda, but they are seeing potential risks in the level of control and retribution that is being sought by some within the MAGA movement. This, in itself, is quite a statement.
It’s crucial to understand what’s really going on here. Cruz isn’t necessarily changing his stripes. He’s not suddenly become a champion of free speech out of the goodness of his heart. Let’s not forget that we’re talking about “Lyin’ Ted,” the man who has been known for his political maneuvering. He’s been a vocal supporter of Trump for years and likely recognizes that unchecked power can backfire. This isn’t an act of conscience, but a calculated move. He’s likely looking at the long game.
The core concern here is the potential for the erosion of fundamental freedoms. Cruz is essentially arguing that if the government can silence its critics, then it can silence anyone. This concept is, frankly, a bit frightening. This concern is not necessarily about protecting Kimmel’s right to make jokes. It’s about protecting the rights of everyone. They understand that the rules they’re breaking now could be used against them later.
It’s understandable that many people feel a sense of dissonance when they find themselves agreeing with someone like Ted Cruz. It’s a reflection of the very polarized political landscape we’re in. We’ve become so accustomed to ideological warfare that any agreement, no matter how small, feels like a betrayal of our own positions. In fact, it’s an illustration of how far the “democracy” has fallen.
This moment is about more than Jimmy Kimmel. It’s about the larger fight over what kind of country we want to live in. A country where the government can use its power to punish its critics? Or one where free speech, even for those we disagree with, is protected? The fact that Cruz is even making this argument is a testament to how perilous the situation is. It’s a warning sign that should be taken seriously. It’s not like Ted Cruz to be for the people. He is still a member of MAGA.
The actions taken against Kimmel, whether directly orchestrated by Trump or simply enabled by his administration’s actions, are seen as a test of this principle. If the government can use its power to punish someone for their words, then the right to speak freely is rendered meaningless. It’s a slippery slope that Cruz, whether out of principle or self-preservation, seems to understand.
Finally, the call for “regret” highlights the lack of self-awareness within the MAGA movement. It’s a warning that their actions will have consequences, that the day will come when they are held accountable for their behavior. In a political environment where accountability is increasingly rare, the idea that MAGA might actually feel regret is almost laughable.