TMZ Calls Out Cruz for Florida Trip During Shutdown

Celebrity news outlet slams lawmakers for vacationing as federal workers go unpaid.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:18pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the fragmented silhouette of a politician in motion, repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and bold, contrasting colors, conceptually representing the disconnect between lawmakers and the hardships faced by federal workers during the government shutdown.As lawmakers escape Washington, D.C. for spring break, their vacations underscore the disconnect between political elites and the struggles of federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown.Today in Orlando

TMZ has been tracking down and criticizing members of Congress, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), for traveling and enjoying spring break activities while the federal government remains partially shut down, leaving thousands of workers without pay. The outlet has vowed to continue exposing lawmakers who are 'betraying' the public by fleeing Washington, D.C. during the crisis.

Why it matters

The government shutdown has left many federal workers struggling to make ends meet, and the public perception that lawmakers are prioritizing their own vacations over resolving the impasse has fueled outrage. TMZ's coverage aims to hold politicians accountable and highlight the disconnect between their actions and the experiences of ordinary citizens.

The details

TMZ reported spotting Cruz traveling to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and mocked him, saying 'It ain't Cancun, but it's close' - a reference to Cruz's controversial trip to Cancun, Mexico during a winter storm crisis in Texas. The outlet has also called out other lawmakers, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for enjoying a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) for visiting a casino in Las Vegas.

  • The government shutdown has been ongoing for 7 weeks as of March 31, 2026.
  • TMZ reported spotting Cruz traveling to Florida on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Ted Cruz

A Republican senator from Texas who has faced criticism for taking trips during crises in his home state.

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina who was spotted enjoying a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Robert Garcia

A Democratic representative from California who was spotted at a casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Harvey Levin

The executive producer of TMZ, who stated the outlet plans to continue exposing lawmakers who are 'betraying' the public by vacationing during the shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“It ain't Cancun, but it's close...”

— TMZ

“It outraged us so much we wanted to use our platforms to show how Congress – Dems AND Republicans – have betrayed us. We spontaneously came up with the idea to juxtapose members of Congress on their Spring Break against federal workers who are losing their homes, their cars, their livelihoods. Short story – our DC presence will sometimes be fun, sometimes intensely serious.”

— Harvey Levin, TMZ Executive Producer

What’s next

TMZ has vowed to continue monitoring and reporting on lawmakers who leave Washington, D.C. during the ongoing government shutdown.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing public frustration with politicians who appear to prioritize their own vacations and leisure over resolving the government shutdown and supporting federal workers who are suffering financial hardship as a result. TMZ's aggressive coverage aims to hold lawmakers accountable and draw attention to this disconnect.