Fox host decries Nancy Mace’s alleged airport incident

Former U.S. Congressman from South Carolina and current Fox News host Trey Gowdy unleashed an unforgiving description of Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who was captured on video berating staff at the Charleston Airport last week. During a segment on Fox News that aired Wednesday afternoon, Gowdy described Mace as an ‘an apoplectic congresswoman having a psychotic episode in Charleston at an airport.’ 

Mace’s alleged actions last Thursday have been denounced not only by Gowdy, but by both of South Carolina’s Republican Senators as well. Senator Tim Scott wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday evening that ‘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.’

Senator Lindsey Graham agreed with Scott’s sentiments, noting that he has ‘had nothing but positive, respectful engagements with the police officers and TSA agents who provide security for the Charleston Airport.’ Mace had reportedly invoked Scott’s name during her tirade last week, ranting that agents wouldn’t treat him like she had been treated. She also named both senators in a subsequent X post, where she noted that all members of congress use the Known Crew-member entrance.

A police report by the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police alleged that Mace – a Republican Congresswoman and candidate for governor – was scheduled to receive an escort Thursday from her curbside drop off point straight to her flight at 6:30 am. Video footage released by the airport shows Mace arriving later than planned, and then not having security waiting for her at the allegedly agreed upon meeting spot.

The report also alleges that Mace was ‘very irate’ and used derogatory and profane language toward the staff. Mace has said that she plans to sue both the Charleston Airport and American Airlines for defamation. The public condemnations of Mace from two top officials elected statewide come as she herself is running in the Republican primary for Governor in 2026.

Donald Trump’s former 2024 campaign manager, Chris LaCivita posted on X Tuesday evening that instead of being concerned about remarks made by Graham, Mace ‘should probably worry about [her] own race.’

Fundraising numbers released last month showed Mace in third place, with $1.06 million dollars raised, behind South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. At the time, Mace touted the number of individual donors that she had raised money from, but only about 5 percent of those people live in South Carolina.