Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has been accused of traveling to Cancun, Mexico, amid the ongoing crisis in Texas, where millions have been left without power or heat in freezing temperatures.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, hours after the controversy began, Cruz explained that he and his family left Texas to fly to Cancun at the request of his daughters.
"With school cancelled for the rest of 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," Cruz said.
Before Cruz confirmed the trip, many social media users theorized that Cruz had left the country while his state struggles with a major crisis.
Just confirmed @SenTedCruz and his family flew to Cancun tonight for a few days at a resort they've visited before.
Updated 02/18, 2:16 p.m.: This story has been updated with a statement from Ted Cruz. »