Senator Ted Cruz is back on Texas soil as the state braces for a potentially life-threatening winter storm. The Texas Republican faced a flurry of online speculation this week after a photo went viral showing him boarding a plane on Tuesday. However, Cruz made it clear on Friday that he has returned home well before the first snowflake is expected to fall.
The Senator took to social media to mock the "Twitter" outrage surrounding his pre-planned work trip. "But I am reliably informed by Twitter that if I simply raise up my hand on Texas soil, the storm will turn around & sunshine, rainbows & unicorns will emerge," Cruz quipped on X. He noted that while the weather was currently 66 degrees, he is fully aware of the dangerous conditions forecast for Saturday night.
Critics were quick to reference the 2021 winter storm, where Cruz faced backlash for a family trip to Cancun during a massive power grid failure. The Senator previously called that decision a mistake and seems determined to avoid a repeat of that narrative. His spokesperson confirmed the recent trip to California was pre-planned and that Cruz always intended to be back before the weather turned.
The incoming storm is no laughing matter, with forecasts suggesting it could impact up to 235 million Americans across 40 states. Texas is preparing for crippling ice and heavy snow that could once again test the state's infrastructure. By returning early, Cruz is signaling that he is ready to stand with his constituents as they hunker down for the freeze.
The viral photo of Cruz on a plane reportedly heading to Laguna Beach garnered over 9 million views in just a few days. While some users defended the Senator's right to travel for work, others were less forgiving, claiming they noticed a "pattern" of travel during storms. Despite the noise, Cruz appears focused on the reality of the situation on the ground in the Lone Star State.
As the historic storm approaches, federal and state agencies are on high alert to prevent a repeat of the 2021 tragedy. President Trump recently mocked "environmental insurrectionists" as Americans prepare for the record cold, questioning the "global warming" narrative. For now, the people of Texas are focused on safety as the Senator rejoins them to weather the coming blast.