By Trendsetter Tribune 
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz faced widespread online ridicule this week after suggesting the U.S. should arm protesters in Iran—comments that critics say clash sharply with recent events at home.
In a post on X, Cruz argued that supplying weapons to Iranian demonstrators could help overthrow the country’s theocratic leadership and make America safer. His remarks came as the Trump administration warned of potential military escalation against Iran following a violent crackdown on protests there.
Social media users were quick to point out the contrast between Cruz’s stance and the federal response to protests in Minneapolis, where two demonstrators—Alex Pretti and Renee Good—were killed by federal agents during unrest tied to immigration enforcement.
Critics accused Cruz of hypocrisy, noting that armed protest is being encouraged abroad while deadly force has been used against protesters domestically. Several users highlighted the contradiction between supporting armed resistance overseas and condemning or justifying shootings of protesters in the U.S.
The backlash also comes as federal authorities continue investigating the Minneapolis killings. Two agents involved in Pretti’s death have been placed on administrative leave, and immigration leadership in the city has been reshuffled amid mounting scrutiny.
While Cruz has since urged more measured rhetoric surrounding the Minneapolis incident, the episode underscores growing tensions over protest rights, gun laws, and U.S. foreign policy—both at home and abroad.