Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has faced criticism from every angle after being caught taking a Cancun vacation in the midst of his state's winter storm emergency.
After relentless mockery from the internet and harsh condemnation from politicians from both political parties, Cruz cut his trip short and returned to Texas.
Shortly thereafter, Cruz posted several photos of himself distributing packages of bottled water to Texans on Twitter.
#TexasStrong https://t.co/gK4DHtsvLU— Senator Ted Cruz (@Senator Ted Cruz) 1613879452.0
Twitter wasn't swayed by Cruz's generosity, which many saw as a craven PR stunt.
Too little too late #CancunCruz https://t.co/44XSYVNf8w— Padma Lakshmi (@Padma Lakshmi) 1613924494.0
Oh ffs https://t.co/Nkq1KwFN2d— andy lassner (@andy lassner) 1613918573.0
He’s back from Mexico, just in time for the warmer weather https://t.co/wQFIhPMX2V— Molly Jong-Fast🏡 (@Molly Jong-Fast🏡) 1613918406.0
Many pointed out that while Cruz was traveling to and from Mexico, Democratic politicians were actively trying to help the Texans he left behind.
Ted Cruz photo op of him carrying water that AOC helped buy for Texas. She’s raised over $4 million since Feb 18t… https://t.co/Sz0s0Merlt— Eric Feigl-Ding (@Eric Feigl-Ding) 1613913636.0
You know who was #TexasStrong this past week? @BetoORourke and @AOC and tens of thousands of volunteers. https://t.co/FKHTPX6lIJ— Bill Kristol (@Bill Kristol) 1613918024.0
AOC, Beto and other Democratic leaders helped raise over $4 million for Texas storm victims. 💯 Ted Cruz, an actua… https://t.co/DFBxFBr4Qa— Shannon Watts (@Shannon Watts) 1613884134.0
Cruz passing out his water was quickly turned into a shameful meme.
This picture reminds me of when you get caught slacking off at work so then you gotta show your an asset before you… https://t.co/1EWamQtK2m— Remy No Chaser (@Remy No Chaser) 1613890378.0
Big youth mission trip to Africa for the gram energy https://t.co/Qj2imbJ1UO— Rodericka Applewhaite 🚊 (@Rodericka Applewhaite 🚊) 1613905812.0
Many also pointed out after traveling internationally, CDC guidelines required Cruz to quarantine.
Isn't he supposed to be quarantining? https://t.co/T15yQqXhWX— Brian Tyler Cohen (@Brian Tyler Cohen) 1613883424.0
So - no quarantine after your international travel, @tedcruz? https://t.co/kmH4gckvXP— Christine Pelosi (@Christine Pelosi) 1613921168.0
Do anyone else notice, 1. @SenTedCruz went out of the country and touching this lady in a pandemic. Why is he not q… https://t.co/Ef22TuqZ4N— Katrina Donaldson (@Katrina Donaldson) 1613925877.0
It seems scolding Cruz online had some positive consequences.
dude got bullied into helping his constituents https://t.co/TQc66F1cWd— ODB𓃟 (@ODB𓃟) 1613887398.0
Never say bullying doesn’t work https://t.co/H1BVmzhr6V— k$tacks (@k$tacks) 1613892423.0
It seems Ted Cruz is going to have to do more than pass out some water to get back in people's good graces after his Cancun controversy.