Nancy Mace calls Muslim officials threat to U.S.

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina has sparked outrage after calling Muslim American officials a “threat” to the United States during a contentious exchange on CNN. The remarks came while discussing the victory of Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, a progressive Muslim candidate whose win drew both praise and backlash. Mace told CNN anchor Omar Jimenez that every Muslim elected official is a “Trojan horse,” falsely claiming that their presence could lead to policies forcing girls to wear burqas in public schools — a claim with no basis in U.S. law or policy.

The incident reflects a growing pattern of Islamophobic rhetoric in American politics, especially among some Republican leaders. Mace, a freshman congresswoman known for her confrontational style, has previously clashed with journalists over issues related to race and religion. Her comments came just months after a surge in anti-Muslim incidents nationwide, including vandalism of mosques and online harassment targeting Muslim public officials. Analysts say such rhetoric is often used to stoke fear ahead of elections, particularly in swing states where immigration and identity politics dominate debate.

Mace doubled down on her remarks in a social media post, writing that “radical Islamic extremism” is a real threat and accusing critics of “political correctness” for objecting to her language. Her office did not respond to requests for clarification on the claim about burqas in schools. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for an apology, stating that Mace’s words “fuel hate and endanger Muslim Americans.” El-Sayed, who is not a sitting officeholder, responded by accusing Mace of spreading “dangerous and false stereotypes.”

The fallout could have political consequences. Mace represents a coastal South Carolina district that voted narrowly for Joe Biden in 2020, making her vulnerable in future elections. Her remarks may energize progressive groups and Muslim advocacy organizations ahead of the 2024 vote. Meanwhile, the incident highlights the growing visibility of Muslim Americans in politics — and the backlash they face. As more Muslim candidates run for office, experts warn that rhetoric like Mace’s could become more common, normalizing divisive language in mainstream political discourse.