Ping
The photo was likely purchased months ago and being saved for the ripe moment.
The Cruz Mistress Crises -#theThing was heavily rumored to be released. So Cruzs team sent out the Trump photo as a preemptive strike to soften the blowback for Cruz. The bonus was mocking the outrage and being able to blame Trump for retaliatory treatment.
And, theres proof on the celebrity gossip blogs. The first challenge to find a cheating POTUS candidate was in August 2015. Another challenge was issued (but reworded more specific) in December 2015. Hundreds of comments or tips were sent in to their sleuths. And POTUS was solved to be Cruz 12/15, BTW. Only difference is the mistress was supposed to be a lobbyist. So maybe theres another guy, yet to be outed. Or maybe a mistress yet to be uncovered.
Team Cruz likely received a 48 hour notice from the Enquirer. That is how they dealt with Sarah Palins daughter and Levi Johnson. They informed both families and Sarah was forced to disclose Bristols condition. But they did give her the courtesy of the heads-up.