Texas Gov Greg Abbott branded ‘coward’ for jetting off to Asia to meet business leaders as Hurricane Beryl ravages his state

HOUSTON, TEXAS: Texas Governor Greg Abbott defended his overseas business trip to South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan on Monday, July 8, as Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on his home state.

Boasting of "very productive" meetings with South Korean business leaders, Abbott emphasized the trip's potential to bring "billions" of dollars to Texas and to “drive forward progress in industries critical to the future of the global economy.”

"While I am in Taiwan, South Korea, & Japan working on business deals worth billions, I remain in daily contact with the Texas Division of Emergency Management & local officials to ensure preparation for Hurricane Beryl. Your safety is our top concern," Abbott stated.

Hurricane Beryl wreaks havoc

However, Abbott's departure on Friday came amid forecasts predicting Beryl's imminent landfall in Texas.

By Monday morning, the hurricane had struck the central Texas coast with 70-90 mph wind gusts, a life-threatening storm surge, and widespread blackouts that left over 2 million residents without power.

Tragically, authorities confirmed the deaths of two individuals in Harris County due to fallen trees.

Beryl is bringing strong winds and heavy rain as it moves northeast through the state.

Comparisons to Senator Ted Cruz's infamous trip to Cancun during the February 2021 winter storm were inevitable. Cruz, who later admitted his decision was a "mistake," posted a video update on the storm from a flooded freeway in Houston.

Insights into Greg Abbott's foreign trip

Abbott, meanwhile, continued to share updates on his meetings with South Korean “business leaders” and Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul via social media, prompting a wave of criticism for the timing of his trip.

He later addressed the storm and his absence, penning, “I remain in regular contact with @TDEM & state officials.”

In a satellite interview with CNBC's Squawk Box from Seoul, Abbott praised Texas' emergency management division and expressed concern over the severe weather conditions in Houston.

“Texas has probably the top division of emergency management in the country, and I just got off the phone with the chief of that division,” Abbott claimed. “We’re concerned about a... heavy rain challenge that we’re going to see in the state of Texas as well as the winds that continue to whip through the greater Houston area."

He also highlighted the strategic importance of his trip, noting the establishment of a new business office in Taiwan aimed at strengthening economic ties.

“Texas only has, before now, one business office in another country and that’s Mexico. This past session, the Texas legislature actually passed a law establishing an office in Taiwan because we support Taiwan both as a country but also economically,” he added.

The governor is expected back in Texas on July 13.

Greg Abbott faces backlash as Texans endure Hurricane Beryl's wrath

As Hurricane Beryl ravaged Texas, Governor Abbott's decision to embark on a nine-day trip to Asia ignited a fierce backlash on the internet.

A social media user tweeted, "Why are Texas Republican leaders always outside the state when a disaster hits Texas?"

Another said, "Enjoy your taxpayer funded trip Little Greggie! Great timing too!"

A third claimed, "How is your trip? Top Story: Two dead, millions without power as Beryl sweeps through Texas."

"Another Texas politician missing during an emergency, typical." read a tweet.

"But you are in South Korea. You could have postponed. Coward," penned a user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.