Senator Ted Cruz was found boarding a plane on a trip to Laguna Beach, California, on Tuesday, Jan. 26, as the approaching Texas Freeze threatens the state this weekend, prompting criticism about his responsibilities during state crises.
Many believe that Cruz is “fleeing from responsibility” because he left during the Texas Winter of 2021 to go to Cancun.
“I don’t know too much about that,” sophomore Cameryn Kophamer said. “I think it’s really interesting that he leaves every time there’s some major thing in Texas happening. Like how the weather is changing.”
In 2021, the state of Texas experienced temperatures below freezing. The Dallas and Fort Worth area reached a temperature of negative two degrees Fahrenheit, with Austin falling seven degrees Fahrenheit. San Antonio recorded temperatures at nine degrees Fahrenheit, and Houston reached a low of 13 degrees Fahrenheit.
“It brings to mind the cold front, and he left to that as well,” Kophamer said. “It leads me to believe that it is more significant than what people are saying.”
With Cruz leaving during both severe cold events, some Texans now argue that he is avoiding responsibility by leaving the state when his leadership is most needed.
“I think he should be doing his job instead of fleeing the country,” freshman Jocelyn Fox said. “I think he should be taking care of the people he represents and cares for.”
Cruz had a pre-planned work trip already in motion weeks in advance, and is scheduled to return to Texas before the cold front hits.
“Senator Cruz is currently on pre-planned work travel that was scheduled weeks in advance,” Cruz’s spokesperson said. “He will be back in Texas before the storm is projected to hit.”
Story continues below advertisement
