In a stunning display of criticism, former U.S. Congressman and current Fox News host Trey Gowdy did not hold back in his appraisal of Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace. The South Carolina representative was caught on camera in an intense altercation with staff at Charleston Airport. During a Wednesday afternoon segment on Fox News, Gowdy referred to Mace as resembling “an apoplectic congresswoman having a psychotic episode in Charleston at an airport.”

Mace’s behavior last Thursday has drawn widespread condemnation, including from her own party’s representatives. Both of South Carolina’s Republican Senators have voiced their disapproval. On Facebook, Senator Tim Scott expressed his concerns, stating, “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.”

Echoing Scott’s remarks, Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized his positive experiences with the security personnel at Charleston Airport. He mentioned, “I have had nothing but positive, respectful engagements with the police officers and TSA agents who provide security for the Charleston Airport.” Interestingly, during her outburst, Mace reportedly invoked Scott’s name, suggesting that he would not have been treated in the same manner. She later mentioned both senators in a social media post, pointing out that all members of Congress utilize 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.