Top House Republicans have quietly barred Rep. Dan Crenshaw from participating in any foreign travel for the next three months after what sources described as an alcohol-related incident during an official congressional delegation to Mexico, according to new reporting from Punchbowl News. The restriction prevents the Texas congressman from joining any foreign CODELs through early next year and followed an internal review of his conduct. Details of the incident remain closely held, but the behavior raised enough concern for leaders to impose the unusual step of a formal travel suspension.
Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who lost his right eye in Afghanistan, has served in Congress since 2019 and frequently travels abroad on national security and intelligence matters. The three-month ban marks a setback for a member who has built a public identity around military expertise and foreign policy engagement. The development comes amid increasing scrutiny of Crenshaw within his own party and has emerged during a time of heightened internal tension.
In recent weeks, Crenshaw drew attention for criticizing what he sees as the elevation of extremist voices on the political right. In a Face the Nation interview, he said “moral clarity is a lot more important” than giving a platform to deeply objectionable figures, pointing to Tucker Carlson’s decision to host Nick Fuentes. Those comments reignited older tensions between Crenshaw and some conservative activists who have long been skeptical of his positions.
Crenshaw has previously been criticized by segments of the GOP base for various policy stances and public remarks, including comments about Carlson caught on a hot microphone. Now, he faces a 2026 primary challenge from Texas State Rep. Steve Toth, who argues Crenshaw has abandoned core conservative principles. While early polling favors Crenshaw, grassroots organizers highlight concerns about his voting record on national security authorities, spending, and what they view as insufficiently combative rhetoric.
The new travel restriction could complicate Crenshaw’s efforts to maintain influence in Congress. Foreign CODELs allow lawmakers to meet foreign leaders, observe military operations, and gather information crucial to national-security decision-making. Losing access to those trips—even temporarily—limits Crenshaw’s visibility on issues central to his political brand. GOP leadership has not said whether further consequences are possible or whether the matter ends when the suspension expires.
For now, party leaders are keeping details of the incident tightly concealed. The episode highlights the broader balancing act Republicans face as they navigate internal divisions and heightened public scrutiny. How Crenshaw responds to the suspension, the controversy, and his primary challenge remains uncertain. With the travel ban in place until early next year, his role on the international stage will be significantly constrained.
