President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R) reelection campaign, delivering a high-profile endorsement just days before South Carolina Republicans head to the polls.
Trump announced the endorsement Friday in a post on Truth Social, praising Graham for advancing election and social policy legislation that aligns closely with the president’s political agenda.
“I’d like to thank our GREAT Senator, Lindsey Graham, for putting up THE SAVE AMERICA ACT for a Vote today,” Trump wrote, before listing several provisions he supports, including voter identification requirements, proof of citizenship for voter registration, restrictions on mail-in voting, prohibitions on transgender procedures for minors, and barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Trump concluded the message by urging South Carolina Republicans to support Graham in the upcoming primary election.
“This Tuesday, June 9th, all Republicans in South Carolina should vote for Lindsey Graham — HE HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT, AND WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!” the president wrote.
The endorsement provides a significant boost for Graham, who has become one of Trump’s closest allies in the Senate after initially being one of his most vocal Republican critics during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Over the past several years, Graham has emerged as a key supporter of Trump’s legislative agenda and has frequently defended the president on major political and policy issues.
Shortly after the endorsement was released, Graham thanked Trump in a post on X.
“Mr. President, I was honored to lead the charge to pass the SAVE America Act, one of the most consequential pieces of legislation you and your team have created,” Graham wrote.
“Again Mr. President, thank you for your support and endorsement of my reelection.”
Despite Trump’s backing, Graham continues to face criticism from some conservatives who argue that he has been too supportive of foreign intervention and overseas military commitments.
Among Graham’s challengers is Mark Lynch, who has received support from former Trump administration counterterrorism official Joe Kent.
Kent announced his endorsement of Lynch this week, characterizing Graham as a “war hawk” and “neocon.”
In a video message, Kent encouraged voters who oppose additional foreign aid spending and military involvement overseas to support Lynch.
“Vote for Mark Lynch,” Kent said, calling him “the America First candidate.”
The exchange highlighted ongoing divisions within some segments of the Republican Party over foreign policy and America’s role abroad.
Graham’s campaign quickly responded to Kent’s endorsement.
Campaign spokeswoman Abby Zilch emphasized Graham’s extensive list of endorsements from Republican leaders and conservative organizations, including Trump, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R), Sen. Tim Scott (R), and several members of South Carolina’s congressional delegation, per the Conservative Brief.
Lynch welcomed Kent’s support and praised the former administration official’s military service.
The South Carolina primary is expected to draw national attention because of Graham’s prominence in Washington and his close relationship with Trump.
Political observers note that Trump’s endorsement remains one of the most influential factors in Republican primary contests, particularly in states where the president continues to enjoy strong support among GOP voters.
As Election Day approaches, Graham enters the final stretch of the campaign with the backing of the president, while challengers continue to argue for a different direction on foreign policy and the future of the Republican Party.
