President Donald Trump voiced strong support for Senator Lindsey Graham on Friday after primary challenger Paul Dans exited the South Carolina Republican Senate race. Trump criticized Dans's endorsement by Tucker Carlson and attacked another opponent, Mark Lynch. The endorsements highlight tensions over foreign policy amid Graham's hawkish stance on Iran.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Friday afternoon confirming that Paul Dans had dropped out of the race against Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). 'Paul Dans has just dropped out of the South Carolina Senatorial Race against the Great Lindsey Graham,' Trump wrote, adding that Dans's campaign faltered after an endorsement from 'a very Low IQ individual named Tucker Carlson -- THE KISS OF DEATH!' Trump claimed Graham holds a 'BIG lead' and is headed for a 'spectacular VICTORY because he just, GETS THINGS DONE!' as first reported by FITSNews and confirmed by Trump. Trump also targeted Mark Lynch, Graham's remaining primary challenger. 'Senator Lindsey Graham is doing a fantastic job. He is running against a LUNATIC named Mark Lynch, who supports perhaps the Worst Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie,' Trump stated. He warned that Lynch 'would be a DISASTER for the Republican Party' while urging voters to support Graham, who 'just, GETS THE JOB DONE.' Lynch fired back on Friday, posting that 'Lindsey Graham represents a grave National Security threat to Americans, American soldiers, and to every man, woman, and child in the Middle East -- whether Iranian or Israeli.' He called for voters to 'Dump Lindsey!' on June 9. The exchanges underscore criticisms of Graham's support for military action in Iran, including Operation Epic Fury. Graham, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, praised Trump's fiscal year 2027 budget request last week. 'President Trump’s budget is truly historic when it comes to defense spending,' Graham said. 'It is the most robust increase in defense spending in many years.'
