DATAW ISLAND, S.C. — At a recent town hall held on a gated island in her coastal district of South Carolina, Republican Representative Nancy Mace faced scrutiny over the ongoing controversy involving universities and allegations of antisemitism. The event, attended by mostly older residents of Dataw Island, was largely supportive, featuring prescreened questions directed at Mace on stage. Nevertheless, a minority of attendees left in protest after Mace addressed the discrimination faced by Jewish students during campus protests — a topic that has become a contentious issue amid conflicts between the Trump administration and academic institutions.
The debate includes Harvard University’s recent legal action aimed at blocking a federal freeze on over $2.2 billion in grants. Harvard’s lawsuit follows its decision to oppose the Trump administration’s stipulations, notably concerning the limitations placed on campus activism. The administration contends that universities have failed to appropriately manage antisemitic actions, particularly during demonstrations against Israel’s involvement in the Gaza conflict.
Expressing her stance, Mace affirmed, “I support all Jews in Israel, thank you very much. They are our best friend, and Christians are in their fight with them. I support them 100%.” She criticized those departing the meeting while discussing Jewish religiosity and protests, signaling her unwavering support for the Jewish community.
The dialogue then pivoted to the topic of federal funding for higher education, including Harvard. Mace voiced her endorsement of efforts to curtail financial support for what she described as institutions fostering ‘radical behavior.’ She declared, “We don’t like the antisemitism on their campus. They shouldn’t get any federal funding.”
Known for embracing confrontation, Mace often shares footage of disputes involving protesters at her events on social media. Prior to her arrival at the Dataw Island event, she posted a video online, cheerfully waving at demonstrators. This RSVP-only gathering was organized by the Dataw Island Owners Association and guided by questions submitted beforehand. Dataw Island, covering 870 acres about six miles from Beaufort, includes luxury amenities such as two 18-hole golf courses, a private marina, and a sprawling clubhouse, with high-end homes priced at over $2 million.
Even minor disagreements regarding President Donald Trump’s priorities may bolster Mace’s conservative credentials as she seeks to expand her political influence. Amid her third term representing the state’s lone swing district, which includes the Charleston area, Mace has hinted at the possibility of running for governor in 2026.
Trump has enjoyed enduring popularity in South Carolina since winning the GOP primary there in 2016, although Mace’s district was an exception in securing Trump’s victory during his 2024 presidential nomination bid. In that contest, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley managed to prevail in Mace’s district, though she lost overall in the state to Trump.
Mace, who received Trump’s support in her previous campaign and intends to seek it again, holds a district that has changed political hands in recent times. The 1st District, known for its stretch along the Lowcountry coast, flipped between parties before Mace recaptured it for Republicans in 2020. She has also advanced conservative policies, like her proposal to ban transgender women from using women’s facilities at the U.S. Capitol, aligning with a key concern for social conservatives while elevating her state-wide profile. Mace acknowledges the necessity of engaging more with voters from conservative strongholds within the state.
The atmosphere of Mace’s event contrasted sharply with that at a separate forum hosted earlier the same day by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, who faced challenging inquiries regarding Trump’s administration. In north-central Worth County, a crowd of approximately 100 attendees near the Minnesota border questioned Grassley on a plethora of issues, including immigration policies, the influence of billionaire Elon Musk, and financial implications of workforce reductions and tariffs.