Former President Donald Trump endorsed South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham’s reelection bid on Tuesday through a post on Truth Social.
However, the endorsement didn’t sit well with some members of Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) base, with several calling Graham a “Republican in Name Only” (RINO).
Why It Matters?
Graham was once a strong critic of Trump, famously calling him a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot” in December 2015.
Since then, Graham has become a vocal Trump supporter, highlighting the shift within the Republican Party during the Trump era.
Trump’s willingness to back a former opponent shows his influence within the GOP, but some grassroots MAGA supporters remain skeptical of Graham’s loyalty.
What To Know?
On Wednesday, Trump endorsed Graham on Truth Social, writing: “Senator Lindsey Graham has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election…Everyone in South Carolina should help Lindsey have a BIG WIN next year!”
Graham responded on X (formerly Twitter), saying the endorsement “means the world to me.” However, some Trump supporters were quick to criticize the move.
Kylie Jane Kremer, an organizer of the January 6, 2021, “Save America” rally, responded: “I love Trump, and this changes nothing.
But he is wrong about this endorsement. The American people are tired of this RINO in South Carolina.”
Mila Joy, a Trump supporter from Washington with over 198,000 followers on X, shared a screenshot of Trump’s message, saying: “Trump cannot be serious. Someone, anyone, needs to primary Lindsey Graham.”
The “Being Libertarian” account, with nearly 288,000 followers, commented: “A Trump endorsement of Lindsey Graham in 2025 is a sad reminder that politics is ugly and the swamp still has a lot of power. Sad.”
Bonchie, a writer for the conservative site RedState, posted: “You know, it’s not so much that Trump keeps endorsing Lindsey Graham that bothers me.
Politics is transactional, though if another Republican endorsed Graham, they’d be tarred and feathered. It’s more the lying about who Graham is that gets me.”
America First Insight, a group supporting an “America First” agenda, also rejected the endorsement, posting: “Well, I’ll tell you what, we certainly won’t be endorsing Lindsey Graham.”
Graham’s Stance on Ukraine
Graham has been a vocal critic of Moscow and recently suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should step down after a tense exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House.
Graham has urged Trump not to abandon Ukraine, warning that doing so would be “worse than Afghanistan,” referring to the 2021 U.S. withdrawal that allowed the Taliban to regain control.
What People Are Saying?
In his endorsement, Trump praised Graham’s record: “Lindsey has been a wonderful friend to me and has always been there when I needed him.
As Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, Lindsey is fighting to grow the Economy, Lower Taxes, and Eliminate Government Waste.
Lindsey is also focused on helping us Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strongly Support our Great Military/Vets, Promote American Energy DOMINANCE, Defend our Second Amendment, and ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”
Graham responded on X: “President Trump’s endorsement means the world to me. I am humbled by his faith in me as a Senator and as a friend.
On a professional level, I am proud to have been there at the beginning when President Trump, through sheer force of will, achieved the greatest political comeback in American history.
I look forward to being one of the driving forces in the U.S. Senate to enact President Trump’s agenda.”
However, Graham’s past criticism of Trump remains notable. In a 2015 CNN interview, he said: “You know how you make America great again? Tell Donald Trump to go to hell. He’s a race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot. He doesn’t represent my party.”
What Happens Next?
Trump’s endorsement gives Graham a significant boost heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
However, Graham is still expected to face a primary challenge from within the Republican Party.
He will likely need to maintain Trump’s support through the primary to strengthen his chances of securing another term.
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