In my opinion the GOP leadership was in on the attack on the Tea Party. So they have to do this to cover themselves. If it had been establishment Republicans who were targeted, this would be different. But they always viewed the Tea Party as the enemy. This entire episode is shameful. We the people have lost our government.
The Tea Party will again be their enemy in 2018, but with a twist. Millions of us will stay home in November, and let the Democrats retake Congress. In Texas, Cruz will win re-election, but Cornyn will retire in 2020 after enduring just two years in the minority. Ergo, Ted will become the senior senator from Texas.
If Trump and the Republicans show progress by passing tax and immigration reform, and axing thousands of punitive and costly regulations, then the Tea Party will be the Pubbies' friend, and they'll strengthen their hold on Congress.