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Earlier this year, devastating winter storms decimated Texas' independent power grid, leaving millions without gas or electricity and few ways to safely retrieve provisions without navigating icy roads. More than 100 people died before the ordeal was over.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas was one of those millions left without power, but while most were forced to brave the winter indoors, Cruz—family in tow—escaped to sunny Cancún, Mexico.
Footage soon circulated of Cruz on the flight, prompting widespread backlash against the Senator for abandoning his constituents during a statewide crisis. For his part, Cruz claimed he'd only intended to stay for one night after escorting his family to their five star hotel.
Cruz later admitted that going to the resort as millions of Texans were powerless was a "mistake."
Now, the likely 2024 Republican presidential candidate is trying to turn the scandal into a laughing matter, posting a jocular tweet about low air travel prices to his infamous onetime destination.
Awesome! https://t.co/SH9h5Ia2n7— Ted Cruz (@Ted Cruz) 1621359857.0
People were not amused.
Hey, Texans, let's make sure we NEVER forget what a low life POS this is. I know I won't. #election #timeisticking… https://t.co/QN0EvlrTwk— ATXMomster (@ATXMomster) 1621430604.0
An Unserious Official https://t.co/gBVVljwglv— Dre Horizon (@Dre Horizon) 1621386947.0
Maybe wait 'til the next natural disaster, you pig. https://t.co/52wS4eycUr— inwoodguy (@inwoodguy) 1621373903.0
You’re complete trash and I can no longer be surprised by any new depth you reach. https://t.co/MPLWpdnB0R— Hoodie Reid (@Hoodie Reid) 1621373594.0
Read the room 🙄 https://t.co/fwyH8qCzgE— Ron Boster (@Ron Boster) 1621372436.0
This dude is laughing at the Texans who died during the freeze. #FireTedCruz https://t.co/w1RsH5i9RN— Dr. Ginny McDonald (@Dr. Ginny McDonald) 1621374393.0
This isn't the first time Cruz has tried to turn the scandal into a laughing matter though.
Weeks after the incident, Cruz delivered a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)—a speech that critics said resembled a failed comedian's set more than the address of a potential presidential candidate.
Cruz alluded to the Cancún debacle during the speech, quipping:
"God bless CPAC. I got to say Orlando is awesome. It's not as nice as Cancun, but it's nice."
No one is laughing.
How utterly self absorbed do you have to be....? Deplorable indeed https://t.co/IfAw9iqAos— UnfetteredMind (@UnfetteredMind) 1621373726.0
Do you somehow think this is funny? Have you ever considered that you might at least PRETEND to do your job--you kn… https://t.co/ZA9LSOoAEm— Kathryn Griffin (@Kathryn Griffin) 1621368550.0
This disgrace leaves during a crisis and thinks this is cute?! Absolutely disgusting. https://t.co/fvAUKhdCjd— Kaye R (@Kaye R) 1621395872.0
Not a good look.