Israel runs ads on Senator Ted Cruz’s podcast

The Israeli government is running advertisements on “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” a podcast hosted by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas). This arrangement has raised questions regarding whether the lawmaker is indirectly receiving foreign campaign funding.

Under a licensing deal with iHeartMedia, the company donates advertising revenue associated with the show to the Truth and Courage PAC, a super PAC dedicated to Cruz’s re-election. Since 2023, iHeartMedia has provided at least $1,738,000 in digital revenue to the PAC, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

Watchdog groups have filed complaints alleging that Cruz violated laws prohibiting candidates from receiving corporate donations. However, the FEC previously ruled in Cruz’s favor, stating there was “no available information to indicate that Cruz solicited, directed, received, transferred, or spent the funds iHeart paid to the PAC.” The commission found his role was limited to hosting the podcast.

Separately, political analysts have noted a shift in Cruz’s foreign policy stance. While he previously criticized neoconservatism and warned against interventionism, he has recently positioned himself as a staunchly hawkish supporter of Israel and U.S.-led regime change.