South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace Wears Pajamas on the Way to D.C. — Viral Photos Ignite Heated Reactions

Lawmakers' dress and conduct have long drawn attention, with many expecting them to maintain a professional appearance and behavior.

On Tuesday, July 1, Representative Nancy Mace posted a series of videos showing herself road-tripping to Washington, D.C. The internet came for her overnight social media spree, particularly for donning pajamas paired with full makeup and jewelry.

Mace was headed to cast her vote for what she described as President Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill." With her flights reportedly canceled, she documented her overnight drive to the capital on X, taking followers along for every stop.

In one clip, she appears at a Waffle House, placing an enthusiastic breakfast order that included hash browns "smothered, tapped, diced, peppered," along with a chocolate chip waffle.

She later posed for pictures with the restaurant staff, still in her pajamas, and thanked them in her caption for their hard work.

Another post showed her ringing up three cans of Red Bull for her driver while cradling her dog, Liberty. In the clip, she chats with someone off camera, proudly introducing the pup by name.

As the road trip wrapped up, a final video showed the moment she arrived in D.C., stepping out of the back seat with a grin, still clad in pajamas.

Mace later shared a photo of herself in a sharp black pantsuit and white blouse, coffee in hand. Though visibly tired from the night's drive, she made it clear she was ready to take on the day's business on Capitol Hill.

But while she showed up for the vote, the internet showed up with a storm of reactions as many weighed in on her outfit, and what it might mean. One critic didn't hold back, writing, "What happened to dignity and professionalism. Just me I guess!"

Another viewer questioned her choice of attire, "How hard is it to put some clothes on?" Someone else added to the critique, "She looks ridiculous. Full face of make-up, yet couldn't put slacks on. Total attention seeker 🙄."

Another person highlighted the contrast, "In her pyjamas [sic] but still with full hair and makeup, and jewelry on?" A short but strong response simply read, "Disrespectful." Other people wondered, "Violation of House dress code?"

Still, not everyone was critical. One commenter defended her, "At least she showed up!!!!" And another user drew an unexpected comparison, saying, "Why not? Kids in school have pajama days. She is totally covered, very demure."

Investigative journalist Laura Loomer joined the chorus of criticism against Mace and other lawmakers who turned their road trips to Washington, D.C. into online spectacles. She suggested that the stunts were frivolous and unbefitting of their roles.

Loomer pointed to Representative Mark Pocan as another example. Pocan also shared a short clip online explaining that his flight had been canceled and he would be driving to D.C. instead — updates Loomer viewed as unnecessary and self-indulgent.

In a post on X, Loomer argued that social media has driven many lawmakers to prioritize attention and celebrity-like status over their responsibilities in office. According to her, some appear more interested in being watched and admired than in doing the work they were elected to do.

This need pushed them to often share their personal drama and emotional moments online. Loomer questioned why such theatrics were necessary, emphasizing that their focus should simply be on fulfilling their duties and casting their votes.

Aside from publicity stunts, dress codes have been a topic of discussion in Congress for a while. Senator John Fetterman made headlines when he showed up to the U.S. Capitol for Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony wearing gray shorts, a black hoodie, and black On Cloud sneakers, unfazed by the cold.

He's often spotted in similar outfits around the Capitol, a choice made possible after congressional attire rules were briefly relaxed in 2023. At the time, Fetterman dismissed the criticism, telling media outlets that there were more important things to focus on than whether he dressed "like a slob."

His casual wardrobe also drew attention when he returned to the Capitol following in-patient treatment for clinical depression. Those close to him said that his choice to dress more comfortably signaled a strong recovery and a return to his authentic self.

Unfortunately, the relaxed dress code that once allowed Fetterman to dress casually was later revoked. The Senate unanimously agreed to formalize attire guidelines, with figures like Senator Mitt Romney emphasizing that maintaining a standard of dress reflects respect for the institution and the roles they hold.

The new resolution stipulated, "Business attire be worn on the floor of the Senate, which for men shall include a coat, tie, and slacks or other long pants." Women, on the other hand, have been told they're not allowed to wear sleeveless blouses or dresses, sneakers, or open-toed shoes.

Speaker Paul Ryan also once read out a guideline, saying, "Members should wear appropriate business attire during all sittings of the House, however brief their appearance on the floor may be."

The Senate's sergeant at arms has been made responsible for enforcing these dress codes. On the day the House voted in early May to pass the Republican health care bill, Haley Byrd, a congressional reporter for the Independent Journal Review (IJR), said she was kicked out of the Speaker's Lobby for wearing a sleeveless dress.

She later explained that she had only been passing through the area when she was stopped for violating the dress code. Staff offered to find her a sweater, but she chose to take a different route instead.

Byrd noted that enforcement of the rules had recently become stricter, including restrictions on open-toed shoes, and suggested that the renewed focus might be due to the hot summer weather influencing how people dressed.

Not everyone appreciates these strict codes. For one, Fetterman was displeased when the decision was made to shift from a relaxed to a more formal dress code.

The lawmaker had previously explained that his style is rooted in comfort and practicality, noting the difficulty of finding suits in his size. He also expressed the belief that a person's value isn't defined by how they dress, a principle he said extends to his staff, as long as they remain committed to serving the nation.

As much as people hold differing views on the dress code, the official rule has been passed and must be followed. The committee expects enforcement to apply not only to reporters but also to lawmakers and congressional staffers.