Senator Ted Cruz Invokes Biblical Promise to Justify Pro-Israel Stance in Tucker Carlson Interview

Publication Date: June 18, 2025

Overview

In a two-hour interview released June 18, 2025, on The Tucker Carlson Show, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) cited Genesis 12:3—“I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse”—as the basis for his policy positions supporting Israel and advocating a firm U.S. posture toward Iran. Framing his foreign-policy views through a religious lens, Cruz linked strategic interests and moral convictions, prompting debate over the role of faith in shaping American diplomacy.

Facts

The interview aired June 18, 2025, on TuckerCarlson.com, where Cruz and Carlson debated U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.
During the exchange, Cruz stated, “Growing up in Sunday school, I was taught from the Bible, ‘those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed’”.
Cruz referenced Genesis 12:3, a passage from the Hebrew Bible, as informing his support for continued U.S. backing of Israeli military actions.
Carlson challenged Cruz’s reliance on theological rationale, questioning whether religious doctrine should underlie national security decisions.
The National Security Council spokesman Alex Pfeiffer clarified that, while the U.S. supports Israel with intelligence and logistics, it is not directly conducting Israeli airstrikes.
Cruz encouraged viewers to watch the full two-hour interview, dismissing viral clips as “gotcha” moments by Carlson.

Perspectives

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas):
Cruz asserted that his policy positions stem from deeply held religious convictions, arguing that biblical promises align with U.S. strategic interests in deterring Iran’s nuclear ambitions and safeguarding a key Middle East ally. He characterized his stance as consistent with American values and moral obligations toward Israel.
Tucker Carlson (Host, The Tucker Carlson Show):
Carlson questioned Cruz’s theological grounding, cautioning that mixing scripture and statecraft risks alienating non-religious Americans and could lead to unpredictable foreign entanglements. He questioned whether faith-based policy could justify U.S. involvement in conflicts not directly tied to direct threats against the U.S. homeland.
National Security Council (Alex Pfeiffer, Spokesman):
Pfeiffer emphasized that U.S. support for Israel remains limited to intelligence sharing, military aid, and logistical assistance—without direct participation in offensive strikes. He reiterated that policy decisions are made based on strategic assessments, not scriptural mandates.
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC):
AIPAC welcomed Cruz’s vocal support for Israel, highlighting the alliance as a cornerstone of U.S. national security. The organization described congressional backing—whether motivated by strategic interests or shared values—as essential to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge in a volatile region.

Considerations

U.S. policymakers may face increased scrutiny over the separation of church and state when faith informs foreign-policy decisions.
Reliance on religious rationale could deepen partisan divides, as secular and interfaith constituencies debate the appropriate basis for national security.
Scripture-driven policy may influence U.S. engagement in other global hotspots where religious texts shape local politics.
Framing alliances through moral commitments could bolster domestic support for continued foreign aid but risk backlash if outcomes diverge from gospel-aligned expectations.
Long-term U.S. strategy in the Middle East may hinge on balancing religious convictions with pragmatic assessments of national interest and regional stability.