Texas Senator Ted Cruz was caught leaving Texas for Cancun as the state suffers a major crisis.
Cruz and his family were seen boarding a United Airlines flight while millions of Texas struggled on without water or heat for many days.
Photos of the Senator quickly went viral on social media but he tried to justify leaving his state upon arriving at the airport in Cancun.
“This has been an infuriating week for Texans. Like millions of Texans, our family lost heat and power too,” Cruz said.
“With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends.
“Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon.”
The Senator also claimed that his daughters asked him the day before if they could go on a vacation, and he and his wife agreed. Hours later, they were already on the plane.
Cruz was immediately criticized for the trip and for seeming to blame the decision on his daughters.
Before the Senator released his statement, sources told The New York Times and FOX that the vacation was pre-planned.
He was also seen carrying a massive carry-on which suggested that he planned to stay for a few nights.
Cruz also sparked a flurry of memes as residents poked fun at him, using the photos of him from the United Airlines longue to make jokes.
“BREAKING: The Perseverance rover sent back a message saying it was only accompanying its daughters to mars and is scheduled to depart back to earth tomorrow,” one Twitter user wrote.
“Doesn’t look like Ted is going to get to hand out with his friends after all. Sad. #CancunCruz,” another said.
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