When you thought the MAGAverse couldn’t outdo itself, along comes Kristi Noem reinventing American civics, and Nancy Mace turning a congressional hearing into an unexpected episode of Dateline. If it feels like reality TV, that’s because it practically is—complete with misread constitutional rights and NSFW exhibits on Capitol Hill.
Kristi Noem’s Constitutional confusion
BREAKING: Kristi Noem, the head of DHS, has no f-cking clue what habeas corpus means.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) May 20, 2025
We are living in the dumbest of times.
Noem: “Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country”. pic.twitter.com/1CB2Yd96hC
Let’s start with Noem, former South Dakota governor and current Homeland Security Secretary—or as we might call her after this week, Professor Oops. Noem was asked to explain “habeas corpus” during a Senate hearing and, rather than say she didn’t know, decided to improvise.
According to Noem, habeas corpus is “the president’s right to remove people from this country,” and she proudly cited Abraham Lincoln as the original deporter-in-chief.
That would be fascinating if it were remotely true. In reality, habeas corpus is a centuries-old legal protection that prevents the government from imprisoning people without cause. It has absolutely nothing to do with deportation or presidential whim.
According to the AP, Senator Maggie Hassan pointed this out. However, the more appropriate reaction would be handing Noem a pocket Constitution and a seat in freshman civics.
Nancy Mace brings receipts, and an explicit photo
1991 me, trying to watch the recap of Nancy Mace’s testimony late at night: pic.twitter.com/oXnzEG0AMR
— Governor Dill (@TheGreenOldDill) May 20, 2025
Over in the House, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) decided the best way to make a point about privacy violations was to display a censored nude photo of herself on the House floor. During a hearing on unauthorized surveillance, Mace held up the image and accused her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, and others of secretly photographing and filming her, along with other women, allegedly without consent.
Mace claimed she had been sexually assaulted and that the footage had been collected over several years, a serious and deeply troubling allegation that deserves proper legal investigation. However, it’s worth noting that Bryant has vehemently denied all wrongdoing, saying Mace’s claims are false, malicious, and defamatory.
According to Politico, Mace has accused three men of sexual assault. In response, one of the accused has filed a defamation suit against her. While her motivations may be personal, Mace has used her platform to push for better legal protections against digital stalking and voyeurism. Whether her actions are brave, theatrical, or both, she redefined “show and tell” in Congress.
The MAGA Connection
Both Noem and Mace are prominent figures within the MAGA movement. Noem has been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, even being considered as a potential running mate during his 2024 campaign. Mace, while having criticized Trump after the January 6 Capitol attack, later endorsed him in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
Their recent controversies highlight the complexities and contradictions within the MAGA movement. While advocating for strong leadership and traditional values, Noem’s constitutional misinterpretation and Mace’s revelations reveal the challenges and inconsistencies faced by its proponent
This week serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of politics in the MAGA era. From constitutional misunderstandings to deeply personal testimonies, the actions of Noem and Mace have sparked debates and raised important questions about leadership, accountability, and the protection of individual rights. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial for public figures to demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles they uphold and to approach their roles with both integrity and awareness.
