Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on Tuesday questioned the sincerity of Vice President JD Vance’s “kind words” about the senator’s previous statements that he was eyeing a 2028 presidential bid.

Speaking with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Cruz was asked about statements Vance made last week when asked about Cruz and other Cabinet members eyeing the Oval Office. While stepping in as press secretary, Vance responded to a question from the Washington Examiner about 2028 hopefuls, such as Cruz and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, by telling Republicans to focus on the midterm elections. Vance later added that Cruz is a “very authentic and likable guy, and I’m sure he’ll do great.”