Statement record
Ted Cruz — Aug 21, 2023
U.S. Senator (R-TX) · Aug 21, 2023
August 21, 2023, on X: Cruz posted “Holy crap” on a fake image of a shark on a flooded Los Angeles freeway circulated as Storm Hilary coverage (a hoax image previously attached to other storms). Hours later, still in-window: “I’m told this is a joke. In LA, you never know … And everyone please stay safe from the storm or otherwise.” (The Guardian, Aug 21.) Names the storm; no climate; no obstruction.
Analysis notes
Republican senator (gop_senator). In-window joke/hoax engagement that still names Hilary. Same bar as Cruz heat-dome mockery (2026). Not climate. Not obstruction.
Codes
- Attacks Federal Response no — Stay-safe follow-up; no FEMA attack.
- In Window yes — Aug 21 within Hilary window (naive noon Aug 20–25).
- Disaster Mention yes — Names the storm and purported Los Angeles flooding from Hilary.
- Climate Connection no — No climate framing.