With South Carolina’s primary days away, President Donald Trump moved to solidify his backing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, issuing a forceful endorsement that reshapes attention around one of the GOP’s most closely watched Senate races.
Trump announced the endorsement on Truth Social, praising Graham for advancing what he referred to as the “Save America Act,” a legislative package centered on election integrity and social policy provisions.
Trump urged Republican voters in South Carolina to support the senator in the upcoming June 9 primary.
In the post, Trump highlighted provisions including voter ID requirements, proof of citizenship, and tighter mail-in voting rules.
Absentee voting would be limited to cases involving illness, disability, military service, or travel.
The legislation also includes social policy provisions such as restrictions on biological males competing in women’s sports and limits on gender-related medical procedures for minors.
The package has become part of a broader Republican messaging push on cultural and election-related issues.
Graham quickly responded to Trump’s endorsement, sharing the post and thanking him for his support.
He described the legislation as a major achievement and emphasized its provisions on voter identification and citizenship verification.
“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 said.
He added that the bill represented “common sense” policy on voting rules and gender-related issues and criticized Democratic opposition, saying, “All Democrats voted no, and they will eventually pay a price.”
Graham also thanked Trump directly, saying, “It means the world to me and will matter to the Republican primary voters of South Carolina. We make a good team, let’s keep it going.”
The South Carolina primary now takes place with Trump’s endorsement adding significant weight to Graham’s reelection effort.
Political observers note that Trump’s backing continues to carry substantial influence in Republican primaries, particularly in states where his support remains a key factor among GOP voters.
Trump’s endorsement sparked a range of reactions on X.
“Why would he be supporting Lindsey Graham. That guy is awful,” one X user commented, while another just responded with “Why?”.
Former West Virginia House Delegate Derrick Evans also criticized Graham on X, arguing the timing of recent legislative efforts was politically motivated.
“Sit down Lindsey,” he wrote. “You’ve had over a year but chose to do try now (knowing it wouldn’t pass) because you have an election where you are tanking in the polls”
He added that voters were going to vote for his opponent, Mark Lynch.
Other users defended Graham and praised his record.
“G-d bless you, Lindsey,” one user wrote. “One of the greatest Senators this country has ever known. We cannot thank you enough for your tireless efforts to put America first.”
As the primary approaches, the race serves as another test of Trump’s influence over Republican voters.
Graham’s campaign is expected to lean heavily on the endorsement in the final stretch, while opponents work to counter its impact in a closely watched contest that reflects broader divisions within the GOP.
