WATCH: Ted Cruz Says “Let’s Stop Attacking Pedophiles”?

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) faced relentless ridicule for a shocking gaffe he made in the Senate.

While giving a speech about reaching a “bipartisan agreement” during a hearing about crime in Democrat-run cities, Cruz emphatically said, “Let’s stop attacking pedophiles.”

“Senator Booker also said we should have bipartisan agreement. I think that’s a great idea. We should have bipartisan agreement,” Cruz 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?” he continued.

Watch below:

Generational Freudian slip pic.twitter.com/ychztsdKGh

— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) September 30, 2025

Here’s a backup:

More from the New York Post:

Critics quickly pounced on Cruz for the blunder, with some linking the comment to ongoing conspiracies that there are dark truths being hidden in files about deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

“No! How about you all stop protecting them. Release the Epstein files, NOW!,” one X user wrote.

“This is an insane Freudian slip,” another user slammed while a third posted an image of a hat featuring the words “PEDOPHILIA IS OK NOW.”

Others poked fun at Cruz’s gaffe, quipping sarcastically that attacking pedophiles is “mean, guys, let them be.”

Other X users reacted to Cruz’s comments:

pic.twitter.com/ekGVZmkuuD

— Liberty Lyss (@liberty_lyss) September 30, 2025

I beg your pardon????? https://t.co/PHIZMLlLxm

— rammy ☥ (@hytzii) September 30, 2025

pic.twitter.com/9LiTIjoqbG

— Michael (@michaelisracing) September 30, 2025

The Independent noted:

Cruz previously told Piers Morgan that he wants the government to “release everything” related to the Epstein case.

He added that “every adult who was culpable and responsible” should be named and “criminally prosecuted.”