Amid mounting suspense over a stalled US-India trade deal, leaked audio from Republican Senator Ted Cruz's donor calls has thrust the White House into the spotlight. According to Axios, Cruz pins the blame squarely on President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and trade adviser Peter Navarro for derailing negotiations.
The Texas senator reportedly told supporters he is "battling" the administration to salvage the pact. These revelations come as talks, spanning over eight months and multiple rounds since early 2025, remain deadlocked. Tensions escalated after Trump slapped 25% additional tariffs on India last year for its Russian oil purchases, doubling duties to 50% and threatening bilateral commerce.
Cruz's recordings, first reported by Axios, reveal deeper rifts. He claimed he and fellow Republicans urged Trump against the "Liberation Day" tariffs launched in April 2025, warning they would inflate prices, erode Americans' retirement savings, and hand Democrats control of Congress in the 2026 midterms.
In sharp tones, Cruz dubbed Vance "a pawn" of podcaster Tucker Carlson, alleging: "Tucker created JD. JD is Tucker's prot&eacute;g&eacute;, and they are one and the same." Such candour hints at Cruz's ambitions, with Axios suggesting he is carving an anti-Trump lane ahead of potential 2028 primaries, eyeing a showdown with Vance for GOP vice-presidential contention.
The deal's limbo underscores fragile US-India ties. New Delhi has pushed for tariff relief on goods like pharmaceuticals and textiles, while Washington demands market access. Cruz's intervention signals internal GOP fractures that could prolong uncertainty.
As midterms loom, these leaks may force Trump's hand&mdash;or fracture Republican unity further.
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Trump, Vance Accused of Blocking US-India Trade Pact in Senator's Leaked Audio

Leaked Cruz Call Blames Trump, Vance on India Deal

Trump, Vance Accused of Blocking US-India Trade Pact in Senator's Leaked Audio

January 26, 2026 | 09:42 IST