Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz was swiftly mocked after members of his own party appeared to troll him during a live press event.
Cruz's was speaking about former Defense Secretary John Kerry, who now serves as the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. Cruz called out Kerry for flying in a private jet to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.
You can hear what Cruz and his fellow Republicans said in the video below.
Cruz said:
"John Kerry has a private jet that has flown dozens of times this past year all around the country. I don't know about you, but I don't have a private jet. I don't believe any of the people on this stage have their own private jet."
At that point, Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy from off camera informed Cruz Senator Rob Portman, who represents Ohio, owns a private jet. Portman's wealth was estimated at $10,827,545 by Open Secrets in 2018 and $10,400,00 by Roll Call in January so the claim rang true in the moment to everyone including Cruz.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) slams John Kerry for flying to the climate conference in a private jet.
He gleefully points out that no Republican on the stage has a private jet — before being informed that Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) indeed has one. pic.twitter.com/JbTe6Krd0u
— The Recount (@therecount) November 3, 2021
But Portman later stressed on Twitter that he flies on Delta Airlines twice a week in coach.
Private jet? Does Delta count?
I fly back and forth to #Ohio in coach twice a week. https://t.co/RPlDvhB6kB
— Rob Portman (@senrobportman) November 3, 2021
Portman was standing to the left behind Cruz.
People noted Portman didn't seem to let Cruz Kennedy's correction wasn't true—only sharing that fact well after the press event was over.
The Recount later shared Portman's office stated the comment by Kennedy—and the Ohio Senator seeming to confirm it during the press event—was intended as a joke.
Update: We received an email from the Portman camp that wanted to stress this was a joke — the Ohio senator apparently does not have a private jet. Enjoy the rest of your day.
— The Recount (@therecount) November 3, 2021
The moment still proved an embarrassing one for Cruz as even members of his own party appeared to be making jokes at his expense.
Texas,this is your man ? 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/g82fViOAF8
— :Messenger of Fate: (@andy999shawca) November 4, 2021
The argument that flying on airplanes or riding in cars makes anyone who wants to fight climate change a hypocrite is maybe the dumbest schoolyard argument in politics right now. Almost as dumb as betting against someone in a group of rich white GOP Senators owning a jet. https://t.co/ZhLO9zpSvW
— Jason Kander (@JasonKander) November 4, 2021
@robportman thank you for humiliating @tedcruz in front of the whole wold !!
(Hint: Portman doesn't actually have a private jet 🤯)
But please stop lying about the pre-covid Trump economy. 40% of Americans didn't have $400 for an Emergency. 😕
Otherwise #WhatGivesYouHope, you https://t.co/HcUVb9J7ew
— Ex-Cyber Ninja 😤 (@ajmissu) November 3, 2021
@egi9781/Twitter
A joke at Cruz' expense! I love it!
— Jane M (@innerpeace8) November 4, 2021
Ted Cruz is such an opportunistic weasel-douche
— Bud E. Biancalana (@WeCouldBeRoyals) November 3, 2021
Cruz never fails to confirm he's a fool. https://t.co/IlgiA4H95H
— Notangry Whiteguy (@notangrydude) November 4, 2021
Was the expense of the joke on Rafael or Portman? Portman being too poor or cheap to own a jet, so it was “obvious" he didn't, hence the laughter? OR was it a joke in that Rafael is a fool and the person speaking wanted Rafael to look foolish? Or is the jet statement just true?
— X5-452 (@RayFinklesMom) November 3, 2021
Lots of Republicans have private jets @SenTedCruz they just don't invite to to ride on those jets. https://t.co/2RE170rhkT
— Doodle Mom (@twodoodle) November 3, 2021
This actually makes it better. Rob Portman hates Ted Cruz so much that he pretended he has a private jet just to ruin his moment.https://t.co/ifoeUvFHHF
— #MeToo Barbie, MD (@ana_safavi) November 4, 2021
Cruz's comments about Kerry are rather ironic considering the criticism that has been leveled at him for his own travel decisions.
In February, he made headlines for flying to Cancún while millions of people went without water and power as a result of the Texas power crisis. At least 210 people were killed directly or indirectly, with some estimates as high as 702 killed as a result of the disaster.
Cruz later blamed criticism on "Trump withdrawal," implying attacks against him were only taking place because of former President Donald Trump's absence from the news cycle in the weeks after President Joe Biden took office.
Cruz claimed he only went to Cancún to accompany his daughters, an excuse that did not sit well with his critics. His wife's text messages later contradicted his story.
His official social media accounts had not acknowledged any travel until a photo of Cruz at the airport went viral.