Nancy Mace fires back at tattoo critics after her ink sparks social media uproar

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Nancy Mace is brushing off the social media uproar over her newly revealed tattoos, telling critics that her arms should hardly be the biggest thing to worry about.

The South Carolina Republican showed off her heavily tattooed arms in videos posted over the weekend, including on her YouTube show ‘Get Maced.’ The reveal quickly became a talking point online, prompting Mace to respond on X on Monday.

“Thoughts and prayers to all those affected by my sleeves,” Mace wrote. “Made the mistake of opening my social media this afternoon. Some of yall are OUT OF CONTROL. My biceps should NOT be a news story. We have more important things to worry about. Goodness. And God Bless America.”

Nancy Mace shows off tattoos after keeping them hidden

Mace also shared a photo giving social media users a closer look at the artwork covering her arms.

Among the tattoos are a rendering of the Virgin Mary, flowers and a line from Virginia Woolf’s ‘Mrs. Dalloway’: “Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself.”

She also appears to have a bird, another flower and the word “justice” written vertically on her arm.

The reveal was notable because Mace had previously kept the tattoos mostly under wraps, often wearing long sleeves when photographed.

Earlier this year, she said she had gotten nine tattoos.

Nancy Mace says tattoos helped her reclaim her identity

Mace has previously spoken about why she decided to get the tattoos, linking them to a difficult period in her life.

She said the physical pain helped her deal with personal struggles after losing or firing all of her Washington staffers two years ago.

Speaking about the tattoos, Mace said they gave her “the pain that I need to feel” and helped her “reclaim” her body and identity.

“It’s just my reaction and my response,” she said. “And it keeps me alive.”

Nancy Mace prepares to leave Congress after governor bid

The tattoo reveal also comes as Mace prepares for a major change in her political career.

After finishing fifth in the Republican primary for South Carolina governor, Mace's bid for the state's top office came to an end.

She had chosen to run for governor rather than seek another House term, meaning her time in Congress is expected to end in January 2027 after three terms. 

Mace has said she plans to return “back to the private sector” after leaving Capitol Hill.

She is considering starting “some companies” and spending more time with her family.

Still, she has made clear that leaving Congress does not mean disappearing from politics altogether.

“I’ll still weigh in,” Mace said, adding that she loves political commentary and that it feels more “freeing” and “liberating” now that she is not running again.