Full Breakdown
Trump Endorses Darline Graham in South Carolina GOP Tele-Rally
8/12/2026, 1:22:58 AM
Tele-Rally Highlights Endorsement and Legacy Appeal
President Donald Trump and Sen. Darline Graham convened a joint tele-rally on Monday night to urge South Carolina Republicans to back Graham in the upcoming GOP primary. Trump framed his support as a “complete and total endorsement,” emphasizing Graham’s connection to her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and suggesting that his pride would be reflected in her candidacy. The rally also spotlighted the recent renaming of Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, a move Graham credited to Trump’s assistance in honoring her brother’s military service.
Policy Priorities Emphasized
During the call, Graham outlined a slate of conservative priorities: stricter election-security laws, anti-fraud measures, heightened border security, and restrictions on transgender athletes in girls’ sports. She criticized the stalled passage of the Save America Act and signaled willingness to end the Senate filibuster to advance the legislation. Graham also highlighted her sponsorship of the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 and her vote to confirm Attorney General Todd Blanche. In addition, she defended her leadership of a state agency that assists blind South Carolinians in finding employment, describing the agency’s work as “efficient” and “government-independent.”
Official Statements & Responses
Both figures presented the partnership as a unifying force for South Carolina conservatives ahead of the primary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm really going to be very strong on this and ask you to get out and vote for Darline Graham,” — Donald Trump, president
- “I think it's ridiculous that the Save America Act hasn't passed yet,” — Sen. Darline Graham
