White House Officials Express Mounting Frustration Over Congresswoman's Unilateral Actions
Senior White House officials have voiced escalating irritation with Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace, accusing her of severely complicating delicate efforts to evacuate American citizens stranded across the Middle East. According to multiple sources familiar with the internal discussions, Mace has been attempting to conduct her own independent rescue missions, directly engaging with foreign governments without informing or coordinating with the State Department.
Unauthorised Diplomatic Outreach to Saudi Arabia
The frustration has intensified over recent days following Mace's travels to the region, where she sought to transport US citizens across international borders. Officials have taken particular issue with her unilateral outreach to Saudi Arabian authorities. Mace independently negotiated with Saudi officials to facilitate departures for Americans and subsequently requested the State Department to requisition a Saudi commercial aircraft to transport approximately three hundred individuals.
In a letter dated 16 March, addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reviewed by journalists, Mace wrote: "Secretary Rubio, I am asking you directly: please authorise this Saudi aircraft mission without delay. I have done the diplomatic work and secured the commitment." This direct appeal bypassed established diplomatic channels, exacerbating tensions within the administration.
Stranded Groups and Operational Complications
Separately, officials reported that Mace, who is currently campaigning for the governorship of South Carolina, encouraged a group of Americans to relocate from a high-risk area to Jordan. This move was made without a clear plan for onward travel, ultimately forcing the State Department to dispatch an emergency aircraft to retrieve the stranded group in Jordan.
White House officials have complained that Mace's actions are undermining an already fraught evacuation process. Some diplomats and travellers have previously criticised the administration for perceived delays in evacuating US citizens. One official, speaking anonymously to discuss operational details, stated: "If members of Congress want to be helpful they should work with the administration instead of trying to exploit the situation for political gain."
Background of Regional Conflict and Evacuation Challenges
The evacuation efforts occur against a backdrop of heightened regional conflict. Since hostilities began, Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes and drone swarms targeting neighbouring nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Several of these countries responded by closing their airspace and shutting down airports, severely restricting evacuation options.
Initially, Americans calling a State Department emergency hotline received an automated message stating that the federal government could not assist them in leaving the region. The State Department commenced evacuation charter flights four days after the conflict erupted.
Mace's Controversial Rescue Operation and Third-Party Provider
Congresswoman Mace travelled to the Middle East amidst this crisis, announcing on social media her intention to help constituents from South Carolina return to the United States. She relied on a third-party provider named Grey Bull Rescue for logistical support.
Despite some initial success in evacuating people from Israel, Mace's recent efforts have become mired in controversy. Grey Bull Rescue suspended its operations on Wednesday following allegations from an American mother who accused the group of attempting to extort one million dollars to facilitate her family's return to the US.
State Department's Official Evacuation Achievements
Meanwhile, the State Department's official evacuation operation has demonstrated considerable effectiveness in repatriating Americans. An administration official confirmed that, as of Wednesday evening, sixty charter flights had been completed, providing direct or indirect assistance to approximately forty-two thousand individuals who requested help.
The charter flights continue, although a source familiar with the matter noted that many recent flights have been increasingly empty. In some instances, Americans have declined seats on charters with connections through locations like Greece, which the State Department has utilised due to its substantial consular presence there.
Additionally, the State Department negotiated an agreement with Israel's national carrier, El Al Airlines, to transport exclusively US citizens or permanent residents from Tel Aviv to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. However, this arrangement requires individuals to first reach Tel Aviv independently.
A spokesperson for Congresswoman Mace did not immediately provide comment on the allegations. A State Department spokesperson similarly declined to comment on the ongoing operational disputes.
