Cruz’s base of support, plus many other “Never Trump” Republicans, were heartened by his willingness to stand up to Trump so publicly. And endorsement without a sufficient reason, could be disappointing, and provide ammunition to his critics who contend the senator is more calculating than principled.

“There were thousands of people not in that arena who will be utterly disappointed that Cruz didn’t maintain his principled stand for conservatism,” said Rick Tyler, an MSNBC political analyst who served as a Cruz campaign spokesman before being let go because of his role in what was deemed an untrue attack on another candidate.

“Endorsing now for no reciprocation? He would just end up being a Trump Chump,” Tyler said.