Nancy Mace‘s email to a judge name-dropping the president was revealed in the congresswoman’s court battle with her ex … TMZ has learned.
In new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, there’s a copy of an email it appears Nancy sent to the judge presiding over the defamation lawsuit brought by Nancy’s ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant.
In the alleged email, dated March 9, Nancy explains why she can’t make a hearing later that month. The politician explained she was “OCONUS,” which stands for Outside the Continental United States.
“Won’t say where, as I don’t trust counsel with my life or my safety. If I’m back in time, I’ll be at White House Thursday upon the invitation of the President,” the email reads.
At the time, Nancy said she was planning to hire counsel after representing herself for a bit, saying “while I have thoroughly enjoyed being pro se, so much so it’s made me want to go to law school, I will not be able to be present Thursday.”
“Hopefully, my bit with new attorneys is open and shut,” the email says. “Should be open and shut. Easy to wash your hands of it, judge and extricate yourself from the mess counsel has created.”
“Sincerely and most respectfully, It’s been real and I’ll miss this email thread and will miss preparing those pleadings myself,” she said. “You should hear something soon.”
The note ends with a reference to opposing counsel copied on the email, reading. “Please, no last-minute shenanigans. Judge Hocker please take special care with all of their nonsense. It’s insane they behave like kangaroos in your honorable court.”
The judge responded to the email, “Rep. Mace: I am a little confused. Are you asking for a continuance? Will you have counsel on board by Thursday?”
The legal drama started in November 2025. Patrick sued Nancy, claiming she, without proof, accused him of sexually assaulting a woman in October 2018, and videotaped it. Patrick and Nancy were engaged to be married prior to November 2023.
He claimed Nancy became paranoid that he was dating other women in the fall of 2023. He claimed she took his phone and stole photos from his device, which she later tried to use against him.
He claimed Nancy initially “conspired with several people” in his inner circle, but after several failed attempts, she morphed her conspiracy plans to include two other women, an unidentified woman, identified as Jane Doe, and his estranged wife.
Patrick said Jane Doe sued him. He said the three women falsely branded him a rapist. Patrick sued Nancy for defamation.
The lawsuit came months after Nancy made allegations against Patrick on the House floor.
In response, Nancy denied all allegations of wrongdoing. She said she did not concoct a false narrative against her ex with the other women, nor did she blackmail or try to ruin Patrick.
She said she obtained videos and photos from his phone with his permission.
In January, Patrick asked for Nancy to be found in contempt for allegedly violating a gag order in the case restricting them from talking about the other publicly. Patrick pointed to Nancy’s speech on the House floor, where she made claims against him.
He demanded the court order Nancy to cease all public communications that violate the gag order.
Rewards cards are frequently rolling out high-value welcome offers. If you’re a travel enthusiast like us at TPG, it’s likely you’re keeping your eyes peeled for standout bonuses.
This month, we’ve compiled five of our favorite cards with stellar offers right now. These range from top-tier business cards to cobranded options for your next trip — and you won’t want to miss out on the value.
Plus, there are even more limited-time offers available, so don’t stop your search here if none of these currently suit your needs.
Our favorite credit card welcome offers in April 2026
Card
Welcome offer
Welcome offer value*
Annual fee
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$4,000
Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
$1,750 (including the value of the Global Companion Award)
$395
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, upon approval, receive a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use during the first year.
$1,638
$95
Receive a $300 electronic Disney gift card immediately upon approval, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
$149
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends May 13.
$1,500
*Welcome offer value is determined using TPG’s April 2026 valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Luxury-minded travelers who qualify for a business card will love the many perks that come with an Amex Business Platinum Card membership.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
Why we love it: Carly Helfand, TPG’s director of points, miles and credit card content, loves the statement credits on her Amex Business Platinum, especially since they led to her enjoying up to $600 in hotel credits** last year. She said she’s already used the benefit twice — once last December for a stay at Wynn Las Vegas and once in February for a stay at the Andaz Prague.
Carly also loves the card’s Hilton statement credit of up to $50 per quarter on eligible purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio***. She said she finds these credits super easy to maximize and recently used one to cover poolside dining charges at the Boeira Garden Hotel Porto Gaia, Curio Collection by Hilton in Portugal.
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**The hotel credits are received as two statement credits of up to $300 biannually on prepaid American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Business Platinum. The Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum.
***Enrollment is required. Separate Hilton for Business program membership is required.
The Atmos Rewards Summit is an excellent card for Alaska and Hawaiian loyalists, but there’s plenty for other types of travelers to love as well.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Why we love it: Even though senior credit cards editor Giselle Gomez doesn’t live in an Alaska Airlines hub, she decided to open the Summit because she frequently flies with Oneworld alliance partners. She said she loves that she can rack up Atmos Rewards points to redeem them for flights with partner airlines.
Plus, the card earns 3 points per dollar spent on foreign purchases, which makes it an easy go-to option when she’s abroad.
The Venture Rewards stands out as a fantastic option for travelers looking to collect valuable rewards with simplicity.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, upon approval, receive a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use during the first year.
Disney fans, listen up: The all-new Disney Inspire Visa can unlock massive savings for your next trip to the castle.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Receive a $300 electronic Disney gift card immediately upon approval, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why we love it: Senior points and miles editor Gabrielle Bernardini visits Disney World a few times a year, so she enjoys receiving a $100 statement credit each anniversary year (after spending $200 on U.S. park tickets) with the Disney Inspire.
This perk helps Gabrielle offset one of the biggest Disney vacation expenses: park tickets.
In the world of cobranded hotel cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant provides solid top-tier perks for those loyal to the brand.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends May 13.
Why we love it: Senior editor Christine Gallipeau initially added the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant to her wallet to receive the card’s automatic Platinum Elite status, which she knew she’d take full advantage of while traveling, as well as during staycations in the Washington, D.C., area with her hotel-loving pup. However, it now stays in her wallet for several other reasons.
In addition to enjoying late checkout and free breakfast at select Marriott properties, Christine also maximizes the card’s dining statement credits (up to $25 each month for eligible dining purchases worldwide). She also loves applying her annual free night award (worth up to 85,000 points; certain hotels have resort fees) toward a staycation each year at one of her favorite local hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C., where rates are often close to or over $1,000 a night.
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