Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz claims to be a big “Star Trek” fan, but his take on the political leanings of one of the show’s iconic characters has stirred up debate among fans.

Cruz claimed in an interview with The New York Times Magazine that, "It is quite likely that Kirk is a Republican and Picard is a Democrat." Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner, was in the original version of the series, while Captain Jean-Luc Picard, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, appeared in "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

Cruz goes on to say in the interview that, “Kirk is working class; Picard is an aristocrat. Kirk is a passionate fighter for justice; Picard is a cerebral philosopher.”

The quotes quickly made the social media rounds and prompted Shatner to respond. In a tweet, Shatner claims that “Star Trek” was not political and to put such labels on interstellar characters is “silly.”

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

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