UPDATE: U.S. Senator Ted Cruz is facing intense online criticism as he boards a flight to California amid the impending threat of Winter Storm Fern, which is set to wreak havoc across Texas and beyond. The storm is expected to blanket states with snow and freezing rain, with forecasts predicting temperatures plunging into the 10s this weekend.
The backlash comes just days before the storm’s projected arrival on Saturday, January 22, 2026. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already declared a state of emergency, activating resources from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, including the National Guard to assist with hazardous travel and potential power outages.
Cruz’s travel plans have drawn ire due to his previous controversial trips during crises. In 2021, he was widely criticized for vacationing in Cancun, Mexico while Texas suffered from a deadly winter storm that left millions without power. This time, social media is abuzz with remarks like, “You have to admire the consistency from Ted Cruz. When there’s a crisis in Texas, he sprints out of town,” from ex-Obama staffer Tommy Vietor.
The current storm is expected to affect over 180 million Americans, with winter storm watches issued from New Mexico to the Northeast. Areas of North Texas may remain below freezing for several days, with some regions unlikely to thaw before next Tuesday.
As Cruz travels for a pre-planned work engagement, his spokesperson stated, “Senator Cruz is scheduled to return to Texas before the storm hits.” However, this assurance has done little to quell the criticism. One user on social media quipped that Cruz’s flights are “an omen of severe winter storms to come,” while another sarcastically noted, “good for him” for flying in coach with “the rest of us average folks.”
The contrast between Cruz’s travel and the looming disaster has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of the Texas power grid, which continues to face scrutiny following past failures. As the storm approaches, Texans are urged to prepare for possible power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and follow us for the latest on Winter Storm Fern and its impact across the region.
