Nancy Mace returns from second Middle East trip focused on evacuations

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - South Carolina congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Nancy Mace returned from her second trip to the Middle East on Friday, saying her focus remains helping South Carolina families who are stranded amid the ongoing war in the region.

Mace has made two trips to the Middle East in the past 10 days, traveling after learning of a South Carolina family that was unable to return to the United States from northern Israel.

Working with the nonprofit Gray Bull Rescue, Mace said she helped get the family — a mother and four sons ages 12 to 22 — into Jordan and then back home to Columbia.

“When I heard about this mom and four boys that were stranded between the ages of twelve and twenty-two, I couldn’t look the other way,” Mace said. “It kept me up at night, and I just said we’re going to do this, and I am so grateful for Gray Bull Rescue, they were incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Mace, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, said the trips also changed how she views wartime force and that she plans to bring that perspective back to the committee.

During her travel, Mace spoke about the use of cluster munitions — missiles that release smaller explosives after being fired — saying seeing and hearing the weapons was terrifying.

“And that is the sound that keeps me awake at night thinking about the American citizens who are currently unable to evacuate,” she said.

The Guardian reported that some White House officials are unhappy with Mace’s actions. An official, speaking anonymously to the outlet, said her efforts complicate the current situation and are being done for political gain.

Mace responded to those concerns Friday, emphasizing that evacuations are her top priority.

“Evacuating Americans is our priority right now and it should be, and it will continue to be that priority,” she said.

Mace said the effort has helped evacuate 155 Americans from the region but added that more work remains.

She said more than 2,000 families are still stranded and do not yet have a way out. While she does not have a third trip planned, Mace said she is willing to return if needed.

“I won’t leave a single South Carolinian behind,” Mace said. “If someone needs help I’m going to help them regardless of their political affiliation, regardless of whether we agree or disagree on an issue. If someone needs help particularly in a dire situation, I am going to be there for them.”

Mace said she kept the U.S. State Department informed throughout both trips. She also said the State Department approved the use of a Department of Homeland Security plane for the most recent evacuation effort.