Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) quickly found himself at the center of a diplomatic firestorm after several CIA agents were not thrilled about a toast he conducted with Mexican officials in Mexico.

According to the Daily Mail, earlier this year, Crenshaw, as the former head of the House Intelligence Committee's cartel task force, apparently caused concern among several CIA agents regarding a toast while he reportedly might have let alcohol get the best of him. 

The agents were allegedly taken aback that after Crenshaw's meeting with the officials, where the alcohol was reportedly flowing, a secret wire was sent back to CIA headquarters at Langley, Virginia to alert the appropriate officials regarding the incident.

In the memo to Langley, the CIA agents reported "what they viewed as unprofessional conduct tied to drinking, as well as a lack of decorum in front of Mexican officials."

What's going on?

Punchbowl reported the situation, and went as far as reporting that other Republican lawmakers were not happy about Crenshaw's reported behavior.

The Daily Mail noted:

Punchbowl additionally reported that the incident also drew the ire of House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford, an Arkansas Republican, who sought to have Crenshaw kicked off the committee and banned from foreign trips, as well as House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson.

For his part, Crenshaw denied that such excitement took place during his trip to Mexico, dismissing the entire report in an X post.

Big problem with this clickbait story: I was booked to go on an overseas CODEL, which was fully approved by House Ethics, from October 1st to October 6th of this year. The CODEL was canceled right before departure due to the government shutdown, but not due to any so-called “travel ban”. This is a fact: people can pull receipts. Once again, we are dealing with the usual media playbook of publishing sensational stories based on ananonymous sources and incorrect facts."

Big problem with this clickbait story: I was booked to go on an overseas CODEL, which was fully approved by House Ethics, from October 1st to October 6th of this year. The CODEL was canceled right before departure due to the government shutdown, but not due to any so-called… https://t.co/ZyJttrSju7

— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) November 20, 2025

In a follow up post, he added, "Another problem with this headline, this “alcohol related incident” is literally me doing a toast with Mexican Generals. Just read past the paywall. I’ve copied it here for all to see."

Speaker Johnson defends

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) defended Crenshaw amid the report.

"Dan Crenshaw has always been and still is our point man in Congress when it comes to addressing the threat of the drug cartels. His insights and expertise in these and other matters regarding intelligence and national security are invaluable," Speaker Johnson said.

Johnson added, "As a former Navy SEAL, he has earned his large platform. Despite recent media attacks by his political opponents, we know Dan, we stand by his record, and we have full confidence he will continue to deliver results."

Only time will tell if the outlet will stick to its report or ultimately apologize to Crenshaw.