Social media users have criticised Texas Senator Ted Cruz after he was seen boarding a flight to Southern California as a potentially deadly winter storm approaches his home state. The Republican lawmaker faced a wave of mockery, with many referencing his 2021 Cancun scandal when he fled to Mexico during a historic winter storm.
An X user posted a photo of Cruz boarding a flight to Laguna Beach on Tuesday, which quickly garnered millions of views. Comments drew comparisons to his previous trip, with liberal commentator Tommy Vietor noting his consistency in leaving Texas during crises.
A spokesperson for Cruz said the trip was pre-planned work travel scheduled weeks in advance, adding that he would be back before the storm is expected to hit. However, the spokesperson declined to provide further details on his destination or return time.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for much of Texas from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, warning of disruptive weather that could cause power outages and impassable roads. Cruz has previously faced criticism for travelling during disasters, including a family holiday in Greece during devastating floods last year.
