DALLAS _ U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is facing backlash over a photo on social media of the Texas Republican aboard an American Airlines flight without a required face mask.
But the senator's office said Cruz wasn't flouting airline mandates and public health safeguards by taking off a mask, but "he temporarily removes the mask while eating or drinking," according to a spokesman for his office.
"To help promote safety, Senator Cruz wears a mask when traveling, and practices social distancing where possible," said a statement from spokeswoman Lauren Aronson. "Yesterday, during his flight, he removed his mask to drink and put it back on afterward. We should all practice common-sense measures to slow the spread of the virus."
In the picture being shared widely on Twitter, Cruz is holding a disposable coffee cup and perusing his cellphone.
Twitter user @hossehenad posted the photo Sunday, saying Cruz was "refusing" to wear a mask. He also posted pictures of Cruz before the flight also not wearing a mask at the airport.
Hosseh Enad identifies himself as an employee of a political action group aimed at electing Democratic representatives.
Cruz is frequently seen in public appearances wearing a face mask, including one with the Houston Rockets logo from his local NBA team. He's also often spotted carrying a cup of coffee to hearings.
American Airlines and all other major airlines now require passengers to wear masks and have suspended some passengers who refuse to follow the mandates. Travelers are permitted to remove or lower their masks to eat or drink.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also urging people to wear masks in public, but there is no law to require masks while flying. The union for American Airlines pilots is pushing for a law or federal rule to require face masks on board.
Dennis Tajer, a spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, said last week that while most passengers are following face mask rules, there are many that flout the rules or wear masks improperly, such as pulling it down so their noses are exposed or wearing it over chins.
Cruz, who has often rebuked efforts to keep businesses closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the chairman of the U.S. Senate's subcommittee on aviation and space.
