A sharp exchange between Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) escalated Sunday after the announcement of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.
The clash began when Mace posted a message on social media appearing to mock Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), writing, “My heart goes out to Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib tonight. Sending them thoughts and prayers,” alongside a photo of Khamenei. The post implied the two progressive lawmakers would be distressed by the Iranian leader’s death.
Omar responded forcefully on X, writing, “I hope you aren’t drunk and took your staff’s advice, Rashida and I don’t know this man and feel confident he didn’t care about us.” She added, “Please restrain from drinking too much as you have been warned from your staff and stay off social media when you are drunk.”
I hope you aren’t drunk and took your staff’s advice, Rashida and I don’t know this man and feel confident he didn’t care about us. Please restrain from drinking too much as you have been warned from your staff and stay off social media when you are drunk. I pray in his holy… https://t.co/s4kpye5QVg
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 1, 2026
Her remarks referenced past media reports alleging internal staff complaints about Mace’s workplace conduct, including claims of excessive alcohol consumption. A recent magazine profile cited former aides who accused Mace of heavy drinking and creating a difficult office environment. Mace has denied those allegations, stating she suffers from hemochromatosis — a genetic condition involving iron buildup in the body — which she says limits her ability to consume alcohol.
Mace fired back at Omar’s post, correcting her spelling and writing, “Honey, it’s ‘please refrain’ not ‘please restrain.’ This is what happens when your staff is from the Third World and can’t speak proper English.” The remark drew attention for its personal tone and phrasing.
The two lawmakers have sparred publicly before. In January, Mace sought to have the House Oversight Committee subpoena records related to longstanding allegations about Omar’s personal life, which Omar has repeatedly denied. The latest exchange underscores a history of political and personal friction between the two.
Honey, it’s “please refrain” not “please restrain.”
This is what happens when your staff is from the Third World and can’t speak proper English. https://t.co/cvnr2VoZpe
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) March 1, 2026
The dispute unfolded against the backdrop of heightened tensions following Operation Absolute Fury, the joint military operation that resulted in Khamenei’s death. Omar criticized the strikes, calling for Congress to pass the Khanna-Massie War Powers Resolution and arguing that Americans are weary of “endless wars.” She also previously commented on the timing of U.S. military action during Ramadan, suggesting it reflected bias rather than legal concerns.
Mace, who is campaigning for governor of South Carolina, has supported the strikes and broader efforts to weaken Iran’s ruling regime.
