Ted Cruz endorses Donald Trump in dramatic reversal

In an abrupt shift, US senator Ted Cruz endorsed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump last night, saying he is the only candidate who can stop Democrat Hillary Clinton from occupying the White House.

“A year ago, I pledged to endorse the Republican nominee, and I am honouring that commitment. And if you don’t want to see a Hillary Clinton presidency, I encourage you to vote for him,” the former Republican presidential candidate said.

Mr Cruz, a senator from Texas who is a favourite of the Tea Party movement, was one of Mr Trump's last challengers for the Republican presidential nomination to drop out of the race.

When Mr Cruz addressed the Republican National Convention in July in Cleveland, where Mr Trump accepted the nomination, he declined to endorse Mr Trump and was booed off stage by the businessman’s supporters.

During the heated primary battle, the clash between Mr Cruz and Mr Trump became deeply personal. In January 2016, Mr Trump fired the first shot by suggesting Mr Cruz’s birth in Canada could keep him from the presidency.

Conspiracy theory

Mr Trump went on to brand him “Lyin’ Ted”, retweeted an unflattering photo of his wife and floated an evidence-free conspiracy theory that his father was involved in the

John F Kennedy

assassination.

“Our country is in crisis. Hillary Clinton is manifestly unfit to be president, and her policies would harm millions of Americans. And Donald Trump is the only thing standing in her way,” Mr Cruz said.

Last night Mr Trump tweeted that he was “greatly honoured by the endorsement of Senator Cruz.

“We have fought the battle and he was a tough and brilliant opponent. I look forward to working with him for many years to come in order to make America great again”.

– (Reuters/NYT)