The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump before the end of the year, putting him on trial in the Senate in the same year he'll run for reelection.
As a result, more and more Republican Senators are going on the record to defend the President's actions.
Among them? Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).
Cruz's unyielding loyalty to Trump, despite the pair's bitter rivalry during the 2016 Republican primary, confounds many to this day. Now, Cruz is repeating conspiracy theories on the President's behalf.
In an interview with Meet the Press host Chuck Todd, even the show's crew could be heard laughing at Cruz insisting that Ukraine meddled in U.S. elections.
Watch below.
Ted Cruz's lies on national TV are so egregious that the Meet the Press crew - THE CREW! - is heard laughing off ca… https://t.co/wlsZ93cDfV— Brian Tyler Cohen (@Brian Tyler Cohen) 1575832999.0
When asked by Todd if he believed Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election, Cruz responded, "I do and I think there's considerable evidence." An incredulous Chuck Todd responded, "You do?"
Laughter could be heard off camera.
Cruz continued trying to make his case, but was only able to cite an op-ed from Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., Valeriy Chaly. The op-ed was critical of Trump after Trump implied that Ukrainians in Crimea–which Russia illegally seized in 2014—would rather be living under Russian rule.
A single op-ed, according to Cruz, is equivalent to Russia's "multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election."
Others agreed with the Meet the Press crew that the senator's remarks were laughable.
All the attempts to defend @realDonaldTrump deserve laugh tracks, actually. https://t.co/iq9k0j5lW0— George Conway (@George Conway) 1575852594.0
This would be funnier if Cruz wasn’t.... representing American constituents. https://t.co/7LtAl9OYrS— Macie Clawson (@Macie Clawson) 1575902263.0
@briantylercohen Only a few big things make me ashamed of the great state I reside in...Lyin’ @tedcruz is one of them.— Dean Kakridas (@Dean Kakridas) 1575840627.0
@briantylercohen my 90 yr old dad watching Ted Cruz. https://t.co/LVbpZVd0WD— Diane Weis (@Diane Weis) 1575837349.0
@briantylercohen @wolfgirl1 Ted Cruz is the Lindsey Graham of Mitt Romneys. https://t.co/Ph3RolqZui— JudgeYouHarshly (@JudgeYouHarshly) 1575834779.0
@briantylercohen Come On... Ted https://t.co/hyPjmOu4nj— Chris Burk (@Chris Burk) 1575840055.0
@briantylercohen As a Texan, let me assure that Ted hasn’t had any dignity any years. YEARS. Maybe not ever but definitely many years now.— Stephanie (@Stephanie) 1575848549.0
@briantylercohen Was listening to it live and heard it. Wasn’t sure I was hearing it right. They need to call these… https://t.co/71D92RUpJs— beeryan (@beeryan) 1575846224.0
Cruz is all but certain to vote to acquit Trump in the Senate if the President is impeached. At least it won't be without rebuke.