U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas responded to criticism on Wednesday after he was spotted boarding a flight to California days before his state is expected to face a major winter storm, reminding critics of his 2021 trip to Mexico during a similar weather crisis.
A political strategist, Shea Jordan Smith, posted an image on social media showing Cruz on a United Airlines flight to Laguna Beach. The post, which garnered more than 8 million views, noted: “Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was spotted earlier today, January 20, 2026, on a plane heading to Laguna Beach as the state of Texas braces for a rare ice threat and arctic cold front.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was spotted earlier today, January 20, 2026, on a plane heading to Laguna Beach as the state of Texas braces for a rare ice threat and arctic cold front. pic.twitter.com/lVTcqP8LR4
— Shea Jordan Smith (@shea_jordan) January 21, 2026
The incident drew comparisons to February 2021, when Cruz faced widespread criticism for traveling to Cancun, Mexico, during Winter Storm Uri, which caused widespread power outages and deaths in Texas. Cruz returned early and later acknowledged: “It was obviously a mistake, and in hindsight, I wouldn’t have done it.”
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz checks into a flight at Cancun’s airport a day after flying there with family while his state suffers power and water failures from a winter storm. CBS News confirms Cruz originally booked his return flight for Saturday, but it was changed Thursday morning pic.twitter.com/sp9fPiwPDW
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 18, 2021
Cruz’s office issued a statement explaining the trip: “Senator Cruz is currently on pre-planned work travel that was scheduled weeks in advance. He will be back in Texas before the storm is projected to hit.”
The approaching storm is forecast to bring heavy snowfall and freezing rain starting Friday in northern Texas, including cities like Dallas and Houston, before moving eastward across a 2,000-mile stretch to the East Coast. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency, stating: “Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to keep Texans safe.”
No further immediate response from Cruz or his office was available following the statement. The image and criticism circulated on social media, with the original post shared by user Shea Jordan Smith.
