While Tropical Storm Beryl made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday on the Texas coast, knocking out power to at least two million homes and killing at least two people, Governor Greg Abbott was enjoying a trip to East Asia.
Abbott left for South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan on Friday as the storm was forecast to hit Texas on Monday. He went ahead with his nine-day trip anyway to “drive forward progress in industries critical to the future of the global economy,” according to a press release from his office.
Many in Texas and on social media didn’t see it that way, as Abbott’s trip seems quite similar to Senator Ted Cruz’s infamous 2021 trip to Cancun when the state was hit with a winter disaster. The Lose Cruz PAC pointed out that Cruz was also whale-watching in Southern California over the weekend.
Cruz himself did post a video on Monday near a flooded highway in Houston.
Houston and the entire Gulf Coast will come through the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Right now, keep your family safe—avoid high water. #HoustonStrong pic.twitter.com/HdiGDX14mn
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 8, 2024
One Texan pointed out the arrogance from Texas Republicans.
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell pointed out Cruz’s history, and wondered about Abbott and those like him facing any accountability in the Lone Star state.
Abbott seemed to foresee a backlash on Sunday, posting a statement that he was “in daily contact with Texas Division of Emergency Management & local officials to ensure preparation for Hurricane Beryl.”
“Your safety is our top concern.”
Others weren’t convinced.
