Nancy Mace says she lost Trump’s endorsement because she pushed for Epstein files release

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Nancy Mace is publicly suggesting that her push for transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein case may have cost her President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

The South Carolina congresswoman broke her silence after Trump endorsed her primary rival, Lt Gov Pamela Evette, in the state’s crowded gubernatorial primary, bypassing Mace despite her years of positioning herself as one of his most vocal allies in Congress.

Nancy Mace says she put likelihood of Trump endorsement on line with Epstein files push

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mace argued that she knew she risked political consequences when she demanded the release of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

"I know I put the likelihood of an endorsement on the line when I demanded transparency on the Epstein files," wrote Mace. "I demanded it because you deserved the truth — ALL OF IT — and as a survivor of a corrupt and broken court system, I will always pursue justice for those who deserve it."

She added that she pursued the issue because voters “deserved the truth” and said her own experiences with what she described as a flawed justice system shaped her position.

“If sacrificing my values is the price of an endorsement, I will never pay it,” Mace declared.

While Mace did not provide evidence that her stance directly influenced Trump’s decision, her statement immediately fueled speculation about whether the Epstein controversy is creating new tensions within parts of the MAGA movement.

Why Trump's decision matters

Trump’s endorsement packs a punch in Republican primaries, especially in places where GOP voters are still solidly behind him.

So people noticed this decision. Mace has worked hard to build her reputation as a Trump ally—she’s always popping up on conservative networks and pushing herself as a champion for what the president wants.

But Trump surprised everyone by backing Evette instead. Political watchers saw this as a big blow to Mace’s hopes for governor.

And it turns out, Rep Ralph Norman lost out, too. Even though he’s been loyal on major issues, Trump didn’t give him the nod either.

Trump backed Evette on Friday, May 29, lauding her as “a good friend, fighter, and WINNER.”

“Highly respected and very popular Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, Pam Evette, is an America First Patriot who has been with me from the very beginning. She crisscrossed South Carolina and other States for me, and I said, at the time, that this is truly something which I cannot forget!” the president wrote in a Truth Social post.

“Now Pam is running to be the next Governor of South Carolina, a place I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024, getting the Highest Vote, BY FAR, in the State's History,” he added.

“Your walk down that golden escalator is what propelled me into politics,” Evette said on social media in response. “I am incredibly grateful for your support and will never let you down.”