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'Pulling a Ted Cruz': Montana guv Greg Gianforte VACATIONS in Tuscany as Yellowstone floods rage

Greg Gianforte has been compared to Ted Cruz who was slammed for vacationing in Cancun last year as Texans froze to death during a mass power outage

Montana governor Greg Gianforte reportedly vacationed in Tuscany as his own state dealt with devastating flooding. Officials called it a 'once-in-every-500-years' flooding disaster as roads and bridges were completely damaged, inflicting extensive destruction on businesses and homes. 

Abundant rain and rapid snowmelt began to hit Yellowstone National Park and other countries in southern Montana on Monday, June 13. The same day, the park closed all five of Yellowstone's entrances in Montana and Wyoming to inbound traffic in an attempt to prevent people from being stranded. Visitors were evacuated due to deteriorating road conditions in Yellowstone. Some surrounding communities also struggled with power cuts and safe drinking water.

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Greg Gianforte declared a statewide disaster on Tuesday, June 14, claiming that he would seek an expedited presidential disaster declaration to help cover recovery cost. However, the Daily Mail exclusively confirmed that he and his wife Susan were both spotted eating in Casole d'Elsa, a hilltop village in the Italian region of Tuscany. The governor previously refused to confirm the location of his trip, but he is now reportedly returning to Montana.

Gianforte's office released a statement after his absence was noticed, saying he was on a "long-scheduled personal trip with the first lady,' abroad, and that he would be 'returning early and as quickly as possible." "Gov. Gianforte has also been in regular communication with local elected leaders (including commissioners and legislators), local law enforcement officials, and state and local disaster and emergency services personnel," wrote gubernatorial spokesperson Brooke Stroyke, according to the Independent Record.

The governor has been slammed on social media, with many comparing him to Ted Cruz. Cruz came under criticism after he vacationed in Cancun in winter last year as Texans froze to death during a mass power outage. "Gov Greg Gianforte is very smart! He did what any good Ted Cruz fanboy would do as 500-year floods hit Montana. He left Real America for another country and told Montanoids to go fu** themselves," one user wrote on Twitter. "Greg Gianforte took lessons from Ted Cruz apparently," wrote another. One user commented, "Remember when Ted Cruz abandoned the people of Texas during a statewide disaster? Greg Gianforte is doing that now to the people of Montana".

"I know the focus is on the #January6thCommitteeHearings #January6thHearings but in Montana there is weather-related damage and their governor Greg Gianforte decided to pull a Ted Cruz and flee the country, Tuscany instead of Cancun," one user wrote, while another said, "And the Ted Cruz Award goes to…. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte! It only took him six days to return from vacation after a natural disaster devastated Yellowstone National Park. Congrats, Gregg." "Biggest flooding in Montana History and their Republican Governor, Greg Gianforte is pulling a Ted Cruz! WHERE ARE YOU???" one user said.