Republican firebrand Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina delivered a scathing attack on Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, during a contentious hearing on Wednesday. Mace’s fierce comments drew backlash from Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who scolded Mace for her use of language she believed was reserved for those of a different party and race.
Mace unleashed a series of pointed questions at Hunter Biden, who has repeatedly refused to comply with a congressional subpoena, as he made a public appearance in the committee room where the House Oversight Committee was meeting. In a video posted to X, Mace can be seen questioning Hunter’s motives for being present and accusing him of displaying white privilege by ignoring a congressional subpoena.
“Who bribed Hunter Biden to be here today? That’s my first question,” Mace declared before launching into a blistering statement. “You are the epitome of white privilege. Coming into the Oversight Committee, spitting in our face, ignoring a Congressional subpoena to be deposed. What are you afraid of? You have no balls to come up here.”
Mace continued by calling for Hunter’s immediate arrest and condemning his blatant disregard for the rule of law. “Our nation is founded on the principle that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of their last name or family connections,” she stated. “But Hunter Biden, you have broken the law in such a flagrant manner that it is a spit in the face of this committee. You showed up on the Hill to defy a subpoena and play games with the truth.”
As other voices tried to interrupt her, Mace refused to be silenced. “It does not matter who you are or where you come from,” she stated firmly, addressing Hunter directly. “You are not above the law. You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.”
.@RepNancyMace: "Who bribed Hunter Biden to be here today? That's my first question. Second question, you are the epitome of white privilege…what are you afraid of? You have no balls to come up here…" pic.twitter.com/Wd9WbMP5bJ
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 10, 2024
After Hunter left the room, Crockett, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, took issue with Mace’s use of the term “white privilege” and accused her of showing disrespect towards people of color. “I just can get over the gentlelady from South Carolina talking about white privilege,” Crockett exclaimed. “It was a spit in the face, at least of mine as a black woman, for you to talk about what white privilege looks like, especially from that side of the aisle.”
Mace shot back, asserting that she takes pride in using her position as a ranking member of the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee to address inequalities in the country. “I take great pride as a white female Republican to address the inadequacies in our country,” she responded. “In my district, rich and poor is literally black and white, black versus white on most days.”
Crockett’s criticism towards Republicans is not new. Last month, she called the party “idiots” and “a**holes” for launching an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
But Mace refused to back down, defending her stance and reminding Crockett that race should not prevent her from speaking out against injustices. “Y’all don’t know what white privilege looks like,” she asserted.
.@RepJasmine responds to @RepNancyMace's 'white privilege' comment: "I can't get over the gentle lady from South Carolina talking about white privilege. It was a spit in the face, at last of mine, as a black woman, for you to talk about what white privilege looks like." pic.twitter.com/1nqguqZ5GV
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 10, 2024
It is clear that the tension between the two parties is still strong and both sides remain unafraid to voice their opinions, even if it means calling out their colleagues.