Fact Check: "Ted Cruz could have returned to Texas sooner than he did during the tragedy."
What We Know
During a severe winter storm in February 2021, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz traveled to Cancún, Mexico, while millions of Texans faced power outages and water shortages. Cruz returned to Texas on February 18, 2021, after significant public backlash. He later expressed regret for his decision, stating, "it was obviously a mistake and in hindsight I wouldn't have done it" (Texas Tribune). Reports indicate that Cruz booked his return flight early on the morning of February 18, suggesting he could have returned sooner (Texas Tribune).
Cruz's trip was reportedly organized by his wife, Heidi Cruz, and was initially planned to last until Sunday (Texas Tribune). His daughters had requested the trip due to school cancellations caused by the storm, and Cruz stated he wanted to be a good dad (Fox 4 News).
Analysis
The claim that Ted Cruz could have returned to Texas sooner is supported by the timeline of events surrounding his trip. Cruz left for Cancún on the evening of February 17, 2021, and returned on February 18, 2021, after facing intense criticism from both political opponents and constituents (Texas Tribune). His decision to return was influenced by the backlash he received on social media and from public figures, including calls for his resignation from Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa (Texas Tribune).
Cruz's acknowledgment of the situation's seriousness and his subsequent return flight indicate that he was aware of the gravity of the crisis in Texas. His statement, "I began really second-guessing that decision," further supports the assertion that he could have acted sooner (Texas Tribune).
The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-established news organizations, including the Texas Tribune and Fox News, which provide detailed accounts of Cruz's trip and the public's reaction. The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their history of journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. Ted Cruz could have returned to Texas sooner than he did during the winter storm crisis. His decision to travel to Cancún while Texans were suffering from power outages and water shortages drew significant criticism, leading him to return earlier than planned. His own admissions of regret and the timeline of events support this conclusion.
Sources
- Ted Cruz flew to Cancún as millions of Texans endure power ...
- Ted Cruz Speaks After Returning From Mexico Trip During Texas ...
- Sen. Ted Cruz flew to Cancun, Mexico while Texans suffered ...
- Ted Cruz Criticized for Vacationing During Texas Weather Disaster
- Sen. Ted Cruz explains his controversial trip to Cancun ...
- Ted Cruz cuts short European vacation due to deadly Texas ...
- Sen. Ted Cruz volunteers during Houston's winter storm ...
