Leaked group texts show Cruz's wife, Heidi Cruz, actively planning a getaway to Cancún with her neighbors while millions of Texans endured freezing temperatures and widespread power outages.
Yesterday, I thought the Ted Cruz Cancún controversy had it all: A Republican senator abandoning his constituents in their time of need, a hypocritical politician doing exactly what he criticized his opponents for, a father blaming his pre-teen daughters in a desperate attempt to salvage his political ambitions, and the power of the internet dismantling his pack of lies piece by piece. Then came the final nail in the coffin: Leaked group texts that show Cruz's wife, Heidi Cruz, actively planning a getaway to Cancún with her neighbors while millions of Texans endured freezing temperatures and widespread power outages.
Caught tonight! @TedCruz fleeing to CANCUN while his home state freezes with no running water or electricity
— Make it Rain ☔️🎸 (@Trx1000) February 18, 2021
retweet pic.twitter.com/8jHzF4Qk0L
"Is everyone warm? That's a must! We could all huddle in one house," a contact identified in screenshots as Heidi Cruz suggested in text messages provided to The New York Times and confirmed by a second person on the thread. "Anyone can or want to leave for the week? We may go to Cancun, there is a direct flight at 445pm and hotels with capacity. Seriously." A later text from Heidi told the group — known as the "lovelies" — that "the Ritz Carlton has rooms at like $300 and we've been there many times great property good security, etc. No issues."
NEW w/ @npfandos: There are Heidi Cruz group text messages.
— Shane Goldmacher (@ShaneGoldmacher) February 18, 2021
"Anyone can or want to leave for the week?"
Inside the planning of Ted Cruz's Cancún trip, and their escape from a "FREEZING" househttps://t.co/sgoh7nlYpB
She added: "I'll confirm on the covid we need to call the hotel this am to confirm that but you just test when you arrive as needs to be 3 days before return." When another person in the chat asked who was sending the messages, she replied: "Heidi Cruz." She also shared detailed information about the Cruz family's flight from Houston on Wednesday and their return flight on Sunday. No one appeared to take up her offer for the weekend getaway. The Times reportedly shared the contents of the texts with Cruz's Senate office, but his aides did not comment. Cruz also did not return a call seeking comment.
Oh my. @American_Bridge has texts from Heidi Cruz planning the Cancun trip.
— Tim Hogan (@timjhogan) February 18, 2021
The group chats are not safe, Lovelies! pic.twitter.com/IqLYU2np0c
Here's what Cruz said in an initial statement explaining his trip to Cancún following online outrage over photos of him at the airport: "This has been an infuriating week for Texans. The greatest state in the greatest country in the world has been without power. We have food lines, gas lines, and people sleeping at neighbors’ houses. Our homes are freezing and our lights are out. Like millions of Texans, our family lost heat and power too. With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon."
One last thought after another look at Heidi Cruz's group texts - she DID mention her house was freezing and that she found good rates. She didn't say anything about her daughters really wanting to go to Cancun.
— Janice Hough (@leftcoastbabe) February 19, 2021
Thanks to whoever leaked the Heidi Cruz group chat text messages to the press. You didn’t need her as a friend anyway. 🙃
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) February 19, 2021
I need the FULL Heidi Cruz group text transcripts. I need to know how hard this actually bombed. pic.twitter.com/FybCD5KDTN
— Emily Heller (@MrEmilyHeller) February 19, 2021
Heidi Cruz in Cancun pretending to be shocked after leaking the group texts. pic.twitter.com/itavzCLKbN
— SD (@sha__wn) February 19, 2021
I want to see the text messages as the Cruz’s try to figure out which one of their frenemies ratted them out 😂
— Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) February 19, 2021
"My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas. We want our power back, our water on, and our homes warm. My team and I will continue using all our resources to keep Texans informed and safe," he added. Cruz doubled down on his "my daughters wanted a trip" excuse while speaking to reporters outside his home after a hasty return Thursday night, adding that he started having second thoughts "almost from the moment [he] sat down on the plane."
*a lying liar has entered the chat* pic.twitter.com/O8sWubPSxz
— shauna (@goldengateblond) February 18, 2021
"Leaving when so many people were hurting didn't feel right and so I changed my flight to come back today," Cruz said. "When it became more and more of a firestorm it became all the more compelling that I needed to come back." Yikes, senator. Throwing your daughters under the bus for what was clearly a politically tone-deaf move on your part is a whole new low. Looks like you won't be winning any "Father of the Year" awards this year, after all.