Matt Gaetz Defends Ted Cruz Amid Cancun Debacle: 'Should Not Have Apologized'

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz has suggested that Senator Ted Cruz was wrong to apologize for flying to Mexico on vacation as Texans endured power cuts and freezing temperatures.

Cruz returned home on Thursday amid national outrage at his decision to leave for Cancun on Wednesday evening. The senator was photographed on his flight by other passengers, sparking hours of speculation as to his whereabouts while his office remained silent.

Speaking with reporters outside his Texas home on Thursday, Cruz acknowledged the public anger and said he regretted his decision. "It was obviously a mistake," he said. "In hindsight, I wouldn't have done it."

"Ted Cruz should not have apologized," the congressman posted. He did not elaborate on the assertion.

Newsweek has contacted Gaetz's office to request further comment.

Cruz is facing calls to resign over the trip to Mexico, with the Texas Democratic Party branding his actions "disturbing and disappointing." Protesters descended on the senator's home demanding his resignation shortly after he returned on Thursday.