Republican Infighting: Mace and Mills Clash Over Omar Censure and "Stolen Valor" Allegations
A feud between Republican Representatives Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Cory Mills of Florida has erupted following Mills' vote against censuring Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar. Mace has accused Mills of hypocrisy and "stolen valor," escalating the conflict with social media attacks and demands for his removal from the House Armed Services Committee.
The Omar Censure Vote and Its Aftermath
The controversy began when Mace introduced a resolution to censure Ilhan Omar, a move that ultimately failed after Mills and three other Republicans sided with Democrats to table the measure. Mace expressed outrage, accusing Mills of defending Omar's right to speak despite her criticism of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This vote exposed divisions within the Republican party regarding free speech and the appropriate response to controversial statements.
- The censure resolution targeted Omar for reposting content deemed critical of Charlie Kirk after his death.
- Mills argued that Omar's comments, while "vile," were protected by the First Amendment.
- Mace accused Mills of hypocrisy, pointing to his previous support for censuring Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
"Stolen Valor" Allegations and Social Media Spat
The conflict escalated when Nancy Mace accused Cory Mills of "stolen valor," questioning the veracity of his military record. Mace alleged that Mills has exaggerated his service and appropriated the experiences of other soldiers. She demanded that he release his Bronze Star documentation and challenged his claims of being "blown up" during his time in Iraq. Mills responded by posting a letter from a fellow service member defending his record, but Mace dismissed his defense as "hot air." This exchange unfolded publicly on social media, with both representatives engaging in personal attacks.
Mace tweeted, “Beginning to think nothing Cory Mills says is true... He fabricated his resume and stole stories from men who either gave their life for their country...Total Stolen Valor.” Mills, in turn, posted a letter and photos defending his record. Mace rejected this, claiming the blood in the photos was not his. The conflict highlights the increasingly common use of social media to wage political battles.
Underlying Tensions and Political Implications
This feud also comes amid broader tensions within the House. Previously, Democratic Rep. Greg Casar threatened to censure Mills over allegations of assault before Mills’s vote on the Omar censure. Nancy Mace is also running for Governor of South Carolina. President Trump has also weighed in, stating his support for the removal of Omar from her committee assignments.
The conflict underscores the deep partisan divisions within Congress and the challenges of maintaining party unity. The ongoing feud between Mace and Mills may have further repercussions for Republican leadership.
