Texas Senate Ted Cruz was fresh off a trip to a Mexican beach resort and wanted to show that he was helping others during the nationwide emergency that was temporarily left behind this week.
Republican lawmakers have come under fire over its decision to fly to Cancun as a winter storm – and a cracking power grid – left millions of people without electricity and ultimately without drinking water across the state.
Two days after admitting his “mistake” and flying home, new photos of Cruz were posted on his official Twitter account.
In it, Cruz – folded sleeves and a Texas flag face – handed out bottles of water to those in need. The photos are titled “#TexasStrong.”
But some commentators suggest Cruz’s gesture seemed somewhat hollow.
Author Melissa Ryan, a former digital strategist for Democratic campaigns, accused Cruz of showing “false compassion”.
“I am glad that someone in Ted Cruz’s Senate office has finally instructed him to falsify compassion, humanity and create the illusion that he cares about the people he was elected to serve,” she wrote.
I’m glad someone in Ted Cruz’s senate office has finally instructed him to falsify compassion, humanity, and create the illusion that he cares about the people he is elected to serve. https://t.co/6JuuzUzpf2
– Melissa Ryan (@MelissaRyan) 21 February 2021
Attorney Bradley Moss, suggested that Cruz still wants to be in Cancun sooner.
CNN analyst Jessica Huseman, noted that official guidelines are for returning after a trip abroad. “Stay at home and self-guarantee for a full 7 days after travel,” recommends the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While TV personality Keith Olbermann said, “I assume you’re taking these waters.”
Democrats also wanted to advance their own efforts via social media.
Beto O’Rourke, who narrowly lost to Cruz in the 2018 Senate race, helped organize emergency supplies and check-in calls with residents.
Others, such as New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, tweeted about their fundraising efforts.
“Charity is not a substitute for good governance,” AOC tweeted earlier this week. “But we will not turn away to help people in need when things hit the fan.”
Cruz said Friday that the trip to Mexico was “apparently a mistake” and that he accompanied his daughters on vacation with their friends.
In a later sympathetic interview with Fox News’ Hannity, Cruz was later asked about the ‘fast delivery’ to Mexico.
““I initially planned to stay the weekend and work remotely there,” Cruz said.
‘But when I was on my way there, you know, I started thinking almost immediately, because the crisis here in Texas, you have to be on the ground here.
“And as much as you can do telephonically and with Zoom, it’s not the same as being here.”
Power has been restored in most homes in Texas affected by the power outages, but nearly half of the state’s population is still under boiling water notices.
MEGA / GC images