Ted Cruz wants kids to reject their aunt’s ‘ugly sweater’ and ask for Trump money instead
Poor, Aunt Susie
Senator Ted Cruz has a controversial take on gifting that your aunt probably won’t like. On Wednesday in the Oval Office, while trying to explain the potential benefits of Trump Accounts, Cruz offered an example many probably hadn’t considered. He said, “You know, your aunt Susie might get you an ugly sweater, and you might say to Aunt Susie, instead of the ugly sweater, how about put 50 bucks in my Trump account.”
As videos of the incident spread on social media, netizens weighed in. While some criticized Cruz’s comments, others raised other issues.
One person under a video of the incident wrote, “Shame on Ted. He shouldn’t assume Aunt Susie bought the sweater… what if she made it by hand because she can no longer afford to buy one because of tariffs and her living expenses have gone up so much!” Another person said, “Yeah, put money in my Trump account so the Trump family can steal it. You have to be some kind of stupid to believe you will get the money back that you put in.”
For those unfamiliar, Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment funds for U.S. citizens under 18. These accounts can be opened shortly after a child’s birth. They also start with a $1,000 deposit from the U.S. Treasury, but this benefit is limited to children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. Parents can continue to add money to the account until the child turns 18. Once they reach that age, the account ownership transfers to the child.
Trump Accounts have found an unexpected supporter in one of Trump’s biggest critics
On Wednesday, Cruz, in an effort to establish the popularity of Trump Accounts, highlighted that it had received support from the likes of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has basically never let an opportunity go by to criticize Trump. Well, Cruz isn’t bluffing. Back in August, Newsom did speak fondly of Trump Accounts.
During a press conference about his CalKIDS program, an initiative very similar to the concept of Trump Accounts, Newsom said he was “enthusiastic about encouraging people to get a Trump Account.” He added, “I think it’s incredibly important. It’s one of the best things [Trump’s] done.”
Newsom also addressed concerns about Trump Accounts, acknowledging there was no cause for skepticism. He said, “We’re here to encourage people to take advantage of this, to not fall prey to the politics or the cynicism or maybe even the fear that if I download a Trump Account, somehow that means something. It doesn’t. It just means something for your kid.” He clarified, “It’s not Trump’s money; it’s your child’s money.”
Newsom also appreciated Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Cory Booker for their contributions to the Trump Accounts initiative.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
