Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) drew sharp criticism after making a controversial statement during a Senate hearing on crime in Democrat-run cities. While advocating for bipartisan cooperation, Cruz asserted, “Let’s stop attacking pedophiles,” sparking immediate backlash from critics.
The remark followed Cruz’s attempt to frame a call for unity, as he said, “How about we all come together and say let’s stop murders? How about we all come together and say let’s stop rape? How about we all come together and say let’s stop attacking pedophiles?”
Social media users quickly condemned the comment, with some linking it to conspiracy theories surrounding the late Jeffrey Epstein. One X user demanded, “No! How about you all stop protecting them. Release the Epstein files, NOW!” Others mocked the remark as a “Freudian slip” or shared satirical content suggesting pedophilia was now socially acceptable.
Cruz had previously called for the government to “release everything” related to the Epstein case, stating that “every adult who was culpable and responsible” should face criminal prosecution.
