Call it a public display of political affection: Sen. Ted Cruz has invited Donald Trump to Washington next month for a rally against the Iran nuclear deal.
The two Republican rivals are set to appear at an event organized by the Tea Party Patriots, the Center for Security Politics, and the Zionist Organization of America, according to the Cruz campaign.
Mort Klein, the ZOA president, said the rally has been in the works for weeks, though Trump’s inclusion is a relatively new development.
“I think it’s of great value to have a person who will likely command coverage of this rally, of this issue, like Donald Trump would be able to,” he said. “I think it’s a good thing. I don’t care if he sucks the air out of the room.”
Klein, who said the rally is tentatively set for September 9th, continued: “Maybe [Trump] will be covered more than anyone else at the rally. Fine. The issue’s all that matters to me, and getting it covered, and trying to stop this disaster for our country.”
RELATED: In South Carolina, bravado and hair inspections for Trump
Cruz has made his opposition to the Iran agreement a key part of his campaign platform, vowing to “rip to shreds” the deal on the first day of a Cruz presidency.
Trump, who said Thursday the Texas senator “has been so nice to me,” also opposes the Iran deal. Still, he acknowledged he’d likely be stuck with it if he became president.
“I would police that contract so tough that they don’t have a chance,” he told NBC’s Chuck Todd on “Meet the Press” this month. “As bad as the contract is, I will be so tough on that contract.”
Hallie Jackson
Hallie Jackson is senior Washington correspondent for NBC News.