Ted Cruz Faces Backlash Over Vacation During Texas Floods, Office Issues Response

Republican Senator Ted Cruz is facing renewed criticism after being photographed on vacation in Athens while severe floods devastated parts of Texas. The controversy began when a tourist shared a photo of Cruz visiting the historic city during the natural disaster, prompting widespread backlash on social media.

The image quickly went viral, and The Daily Beast published a report on 6 July, further intensifying public reaction. In response, Cruz's office issued a statement defending the senator and criticising the media coverage.

Ted Cruz on Vacation During Texas Floods

According to The Daily Beast, Cruz was seen sightseeing in Athens on 5 July while deadly floods swept across Central Texas. The flooding claimed the lives of around 100 people, including campers and counsellors from a summer camp.

The report stated that Cruz was vacationing with his wife Heidi and was spotted visiting the Parthenon. That same day, Camp Mystic confirmed that 20 girls had gone missing due to rising floodwaters.

'He was with his family and a lone security guard,' said the tourist who captured the photo.

The tourist added: 'As he walked past us, I simply said, "20 kids dead in Texas and you take a vacation?"'

According to the eyewitness account, Cruz grunted and walked away, while his wife allegedly gave the tourist a 'dirty look' before continuing their guided tour.

Ted Cruz's Office Blasts Report as False

As the story gained traction, Cruz's office issued a scathing response. His communications director, Macarena Martinez, posted on X, calling the article 'a bull**** piece published by a bull**** rag outlet with no credibility, and with no regard for the tragedy in Texas.'

She added: 'The Senator is on the ground in Texas and arrived as fast as humanly possible. I explained all of this to their two-faced reporter.'

According to Cruz's team, the trip to Greece had been planned before the floods hit on 4 July. They stated that within hours of the disaster, Cruz had spoken by phone with Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Texas Emergency Management Director Nim Kidd, and President Donald Trump, to ensure the mobilisation of federal resources.

The senator's office said Cruz remained in contact with local officials and families of the missing during the unfolding crisis.

Not the First Time Cruz Took Heat Over a Vacation

This is not the first time Cruz has faced backlash for leaving the state during a crisis. In 2021, he travelled to Mexico with his family while Texas was crippled by a record-breaking winter storm that left millions without power or water.

At the time, Cruz defended the trip, saying he wanted to be a 'good dad', but later admitted the decision 'didn't feel right'. The recent Greece vacation has prompted comparisons, with many Americans once again expressing doubt over his office's explanations.