'IHeartMedia Donates $787K to Cruz's Political Action Committee; Where's the Representation?'

Ted Cruz Facing Multiple Ethics Complaints Over iHeartMedia Syndicate Deal

Texas Senator Ted Cruz is facing intense scrutiny for his shady financial dealings with iHeartMedia, a San Antonio-based media company. Three ethics complaints have been filed against Cruz, alleging that his syndication deal with iHeartMedia for his podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz, violates federal law and Senate ethics rules. Michael Tijerina, a Collin County Democratic Party precinct chair, cites that Cruz is flouting earned income limits and disclosure requirements, and that the senator is effectively receiving a "thing of value" [^1] for his appearances, with iHeartMedia funneling money to a super PAC supporting his campaign.

Senator Cruz claims to volunteer his time to appear on the podcast. However, Senator Cruz seems to be receiving a 'thing of value' for his appearances — namely hundreds of thousands of funds to a super PAC supporting his re-election campaign. - Michael Tijerina, Collin County Democratic Party precinct chair

Prior complaints filed by the Campaign Legal Center and End Citizens United also point to violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act, with iHeartMedia payments to the super PAC being reported as "digital revenue" instead of campaign contributions. The total dispersal to the PAC has now reached a staggering $787,000, and Cruz's office has remained tight-lipped, refusing to comment on the ethics of the situation.

This is just the latest example of Ted Cruz's disregard for Texans and his self-serving political maneuvers. While Cruz rakes in millions for his reelection campaign, it's clear that he's more interested in his own power and influence than serving the people of Texas. It's time for the Senate Ethics Committee to take action and hold Cruz accountable for his blatant abuse of the system.

References:

[^1]: "Cruz faces scrutiny over payments from iHeartMedia for podcast." austinamericanstatesman.com https://www.austinamericanstatesman.com/story/news/politics/2023/08/02/texas- politics-cruz-iheartmedia-podcast-ethics-complaint/11916831/