Rep. Nancy Mace Faces Backlash Over Anti-Transgender Slur, Says She "Doesn't Care"

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina is facing criticism after using an anti-transgender slur during a heated exchange at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on Wednesday. Despite pushback from a Democratic colleague and others, Mace doubled down on her choice of words, saying she simply "doesn't care."

The controversy began when Mace questioned witnesses about USAID, the U.S. foreign aid agency currently being dismantled under the Trump administration. She specifically focused on a $2 million grant awarded to strengthen trans-led organizations providing gender-affirming healthcare in Guatemala.

“Does this advance the interest of American citizens paying for [slur] in Guatemala to the tune of $2 million?” Mace asked during the hearing. Her use of the slur immediately drew attention and criticism.

After yielding her time, Democratic Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia, the ranking member of the committee, addressed her language. Connolly pointed out that the term Mace used is widely recognized as a slur against transgender individuals and is considered offensive to the LGBTQ community. However, Mace interrupted him, repeating the slur multiple times and dismissing his concerns.

“I don’t really care,” Mace said bluntly. “You want penises in women’s bathrooms, and I’m not going to have it.”

A History of Anti-Transgender Rhetoric

This is not the first time Mace has used the same derogatory term in public. She has been outspoken in her opposition to transgender rights, particularly regarding access to bathrooms. Mace has frequently advocated for restricting transgender women from using women’s restrooms, claiming such policies protect women and children.

Earlier this year, Mace introduced a resolution aimed at barring her colleague, Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware, from using the women’s restroom at the Capitol. McBride made history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. Mace has also used the slur in reference to transgender protesters demonstrating against her bathroom resolution.

The LGBTQ media advocacy organization GLAAD has condemned Mace’s language, calling the term she used “derogatory, defamatory, and dehumanizing.” According to GLAAD, such language contributes to the marginalization and mistreatment of transgender individuals.

Social Media and More Controversy

Mace’s comments have also sparked controversy on social media. She shared a video of herself using the slur on X (formerly Twitter), which was flagged with a content warning for potentially violating the platform’s rules against hateful conduct. Despite the warning, Mace has continued to defend her language, framing it as a rejection of what she calls “political correctness.”

“The only thing the Left has going for them is political correctness because they are so wrong on everything else,” Mace’s spokesperson, Gabrielle Lipsky, said in a statement to *USA TODAY*. Lipsky went on to criticize Democrats, accusing them of focusing on “mean words” instead of addressing issues like the national deficit and what she described as the erosion of Western values.

Calls for Decorum

During the hearing, Rep. Connolly urged his colleagues to maintain a level of respect and decorum, especially when discussing sensitive topics. “To me, a slur is a slur, and here in the committee, a level of decorum requires us to try consciously to avoid slurs,” Connolly said after Mace repeated the term.

However, Mace’s unapologetic stance suggests she has no intention of changing her rhetoric. Her comments reflect a broader cultural and political divide, with some conservatives pushing back against what they see as excessive “wokeness” and others calling for greater respect and inclusivity in public discourse.

The Broader Debate

The incident highlights the ongoing debate over transgender rights in the United States, particularly in conservative circles. Issues like access to gender-affirming healthcare and the use of public restrooms by transgender individuals have become flashpoints in the culture wars. While advocates argue that such rights are essential for the dignity and well-being of transgender people, opponents like Mace frame these issues as threats to traditional values and public safety.

Mace’s remarks also draw attention to the role of language in shaping public opinion. Critics argue that using slurs and inflammatory rhetoric not only dehumanizes marginalized groups but also distracts from substantive policy discussions. Supporters of Mace, however, see her blunt language as a refreshing challenge to what they perceive as the dominance of liberal ideologies in public discourse.

Moving Forward

As the backlash against Mace’s comments continues, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will have any lasting impact on her political career or the broader conversation about transgender rights. For now, Mace appears to be standing firm, dismissing criticism as an overreaction from the Left.

The incident serves as a reminder of the deep divisions in American politics and society, particularly when it comes to issues of identity and inclusion. While some lawmakers call for greater respect and understanding, others, like Mace, are doubling down on their opposition, signaling that these debates are far from over.