Exclusive: Nancy Mace Denies 'Burner' Account Allegations, Calls Them 'Bitter Exes' Tale

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., is forcefully pushing back against allegations that she instructed staff members to create “burner” accounts for the purpose of inflating her image online. The claims, which surfaced in a recent article that referenced alleged testimony from ex-aides and political consultant Wesley Donehue, suggest that Mace used anonymous accounts and automated bots to boost her digital profile. Mace has roundly dismissed these assertions, arguing that they come from what she calls “bitter exes” with an axe to grind and lack substantive proof.

“When a story relies on ‘anonymous former staffers,’ it’s journalist-speak for ‘We didn’t have anything real, so we called the bitter exes,’” Mace said, underscoring her skepticism about the credibility of the accusations. As chair of the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, Mace contends that she has no need to hide behind secret online tactics. “Unlike some folks, I don’t need a burner phone to tell the truth,” she stated emphatically. “I say what I mean, I mean what I say, and I post it from my real account, with my name on it. Accountability starts there.”

The controversy arrives at a time when anonymous tips and sources are increasingly common in political reporting, casting a shadow over public trust. Yet, Mace seems unphased, instead leaning into her reputation for blunt talk. “I’ll keep telling the uncomfortable truth,” she said. “And if it makes you squirm, good. That means you’re finally paying attention.”

Mace’s career has been built, in part, on advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and championing legislation to preserve Title IX protections for biological women. She has publicly pressed for increased resources for victims of violence and spoken out forcefully against threats of physical harm. Earlier this month, she condemned a transgender activist accused of threatening to assassinate her, remarking, “You don’t have to agree with me, but threatening a mother and congresswoman with violence isn’t protest, it’s criminal.”

An adept self-taught coder, Mace touts her technical background as a unique asset in Congress. “Well, for starters, I actually understand the intricacies of technology, which already puts me ahead of most of Washington,” she said. Highlighting her committee’s focus, she noted ongoing work to protect consumer data, strengthen cybersecurity, and curb Big Tech censorship. This hands-on tech experience, she added, gives her a critical advantage: “It turns out writing code teaches you to spot bugs in software and in political BS.”

On the topic of her office’s social media strategy, Mace maintained that transparency and conservative principles remain at its core. “I lead with facts, I speak for the people who sent me here and I don’t hide behind consultants or filtered statements,” she remarked. “Being accountable means saying the hard stuff, standing your ground and not running from a fight, even if it makes the media clutch their pearls.”

Mace also addressed a viral video showing what appeared to be a stack of so-called burner phones, poking fun at the spectacle. “About as many burner phones as Wired has credible sources for ‘burner-gate,’” she joked. On social media, she lampooned the rumors further by sharing an AI-generated image depicting herself holding two Bernese Mountain dogs outside the Capitol, captioned, “It’s true. I have multiple berners!”

Through all the tumult, Mace insists she remains undistracted. She emphasized her commitment to the legislative duties and constituents she represents, noting her historic status as the first woman to graduate from South Carolina’s Citadel and the first woman elected to represent Charleston in Congress. While the controversy continues to circulate online, Mace appears determined to weather criticism and remain focused on her work in Washington.