WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – "I am greatly honored by the endorsement of Senator Cruz," Trump said in a statement issued after the Texas lawmaker publicly pledged support for Trump.
Despite Trump’s reference to an "endorsement," Cruz said only that he would vote for the real estate mogul in the November 8 election.
Still, Trump was effusive in praising his former rival, who during the primary campaign sought to present himself to Republicans as the ideological heir to the late Ronald Reagan.
"We have fought the battle and he was a tough and brilliant opponent," Trump said of Cruz. "I look forward to working with him for many years to come in order to make America great again."
At the Republicans’ nominating convention in July, Cruz was booed off the stage when he refused to endorse Trump. He instead told the convention delegates they should vote their conscience.