South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace has found herself at the center of a political firestorm after an altercation at Charleston International Airport on October 30, 2025, spiraled into a public dispute involving lawsuits, accusations of political sabotage, and sharp criticism from fellow Republicans. What began as a disagreement over airport security protocols has quickly escalated into a high-profile controversy, drawing in national attention and prompting heated debate over the conduct of public officials, the integrity of law enforcement, and the state of partisan politics in South Carolina.
According to an incident report filed by airport police and published by Wired, Mace arrived at Charleston International Airport just before 7:00 a.m.—later than her expected 6:30 a.m. arrival and in a different vehicle than anticipated. The report claims that, after a mix-up left her without a security escort, Mace became “very irate” and began loudly cursing at police officers and TSA officials. The officers described Mace as using profanity and making derogatory comments, including, “This is no way to treat a f---ing United States Representative.” The report further alleges that she continued her tirade while being escorted to gate B-8, where she waited approximately ten minutes before boarding her flight.
A TSA supervisor cited in the report was “very upset” with Mace’s behavior, especially given that TSA agents had been working without pay for over a month due to an ongoing government shutdown. The shutdown, which began in early October, has left federal employees—including airport security—working under challenging conditions, while the Republican-controlled House has been on recess.
In the days following the incident, Mace vigorously denied the allegations, calling the report false and politically motivated. On November 4, she took to X (formerly Twitter), demanding the resignation of Charleston Airport CEO Elliot Summey and threatening legal action. “My lawyers are examining EVERY LEGAL OPTION,” Mace wrote. “Elliot — I’m waiting for that resignation letter. Tomorrow morning. Get your computer ready and start typing. You’re completely and totally COOKED.” She added, “And everyone involved should resign. NOW. IMMEDIATELY! And RETRACT every single phony claim.”
In a bid to clear her name, Mace released 18 minutes of airport security footage on social media, showing her arrival, passage through the TSA checkpoint, and her police escort to the gate. While the footage is at times difficult to make out, it appears to show Mace having minimal interaction with officers, talking on her phone, and texting while waiting at the gate. Mace’s office has not clarified what specific legal actions she intends to pursue against the airport or its staff.
Charleston Airport Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Spencer Pryor responded with a statement defending airport law enforcement and TSA personnel. “At Charleston International Airport, the safety and security of our more than 6 million passengers, elected officials, and guests who travel through our terminal is our highest priority. Our nationally accredited Airport Police Department works tirelessly alongside our local, state and federal partners to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for all who use our facility,” Pryor said, adding, “I wholeheartedly support the men and women of the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority, TSA, Customs and Border Protection and Joint Base Charleston for their hard work and dedication.”
The controversy quickly drew the attention of prominent South Carolina Republicans. Senator Tim Scott, whom Mace referenced during her airport confrontation, issued a pointed statement on Facebook on November 5. “For reasons that are unclear, Rep. Nancy Mace invoked my name during and in the aftermath of her situation at the Charleston International Airport. So let me be clear on a number of points. I have used that airport since long before I was ever in Congress and every interaction I have had – without exception – has been positive,” Scott wrote. He praised the professionalism of airport police and emphasized, “It is never acceptable to berate police officers, airport staff, and TSA agents who are simply doing their jobs, nor is it becoming of a Member of Congress to use such vulgar language when dealing with constituents. Not only are these officers sworn to protect us, but we also take an oath to represent them. We work for them, not vice versa.”
Senator Lindsey Graham echoed Scott’s sentiments, writing on X, “I concur with [Scott]’s statement when it comes to the men and women who provide security at the Charleston International Airport. I have had similar personal experiences and have had nothing but positive, respectful engagements with the police officers and TSA agents who provide security for the Charleston Airport. Charleston International Airport is a world-class visitor gateway and vital to the Lowcountry’s economy.” Graham also highlighted his efforts to secure nearly $40 million in federal funding over the past four years to improve the airport’s operations and infrastructure.
Mace, undeterred by the criticism from her colleagues, escalated her defense. On November 5, she posted a video message accusing the political establishment of orchestrating a campaign to discredit her. “The establishment is in PANIC MODE. They are doing everything they can, including falsifying police incident reports, to STOP US. And it’s not going to work. If they can’t find it – they’ll just make it up. They’ll do everything they can to destroy us,” she declared. “They’re coming after me because I will always stand up and fight for you. You know what I say to all that? GOOD LUCK AND MAY THE BEST CONSERVATIVE WOMAN WIN! HOLD THE LINE.”
On the legal front, Mace announced she had retained counsel and planned to file a lawsuit against American Airlines, Charleston International Airport, and several individuals—including CEO Elliot Summey, legal officers, and law enforcement officials—alleging defamation and a coordinated effort to malign her character. Her attorney, Larry Klayman, stated, “We believe Congresswoman Nancy Mace has been subjected to a calculated and coordinated effort to malign her character through deliberately falsified documentation.” Mace’s lawsuit aims to seek damages for reputational harm and a public correction of the incident report.
Despite her efforts to frame the incident as a political hit job, Mace has found little support among her fellow South Carolina lawmakers. Both Scott and Graham have publicly sided with airport staff, emphasizing the professionalism and diligence of law enforcement and TSA agents. The dispute has also drawn attention to the broader issue of political tensions and the rise of incivility among public officials, especially in an era marked by heightened partisanship and concerns about political violence.
As the legal battle looms and the political fallout continues, the Charleston airport incident has become a microcosm of the larger struggles facing American politics—a clash of personalities, competing narratives, and the relentless churn of public controversy. For now, all eyes remain on South Carolina as Nancy Mace doubles down on her defense and the state’s political establishment pushes back, each side convinced it is standing on the right side of justice and public service.
