Lindsey Graham

Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, won the South Carolina Republican Senate primary runoff on August 25, 2026, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman 52% to 48%. Appointed after Lindsey Graham’s sudden death from an aortic tear, Graham faced criticism for admitting she was uninformed on national security but secured President Trump’s endorsement and nearly $1 million in MAGA Inc. support. She will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November for a full six-year term in the safely Republican seat.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 26, 04:17 AM UTC

Ten candidates, including Darline Graham (Lindsey Graham’s sister and interim appointee), Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch, are vying in a special Republican primary on August 10, 2026, to fill the late senator’s seat. Darline Graham, endorsed by President Trump and backed by the NRSC, is the front-runner, but a crowded field makes a runoff likely. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

24 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 24, 02:08 PM UTC

During a South Carolina Senate runoff debate, appointed Senator Darline Graham, sister of the late Lindsey Graham, admitted she is "not that informed on national security" when asked about Taiwan and the South China Sea. She deflected by citing family military service and later claimed South Carolina’s population is 50 million (actual: 5.6 million). Her opponent, Representative Ralph Norman, gave a substantive answer. The performance drew widespread criticism, with commentators calling it disqualifying and questioning her Senate qualifications.

8 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 20, 03:40 PM UTC

The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in an 86-11 bipartisan vote, imposing sanctions on Russia over its Ukraine invasion and granting President Trump authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on top Russian oil and gas buyers, including China, India, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Slovakia. The bill also targets Russian officials, oligarchs, and Iran’s energy sector. It now heads to the House, facing uncertain prospects due to concerns over expanded presidential tariff powers.

18 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 13, 01:12 PM UTC

The Pentagon is renaming Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, honoring the late Republican U.S. Senator who died July 11, 2026, at age 71 from an aortic dissection. Graham served 33 years in the Air Force as a judge advocate and reservist. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink initiated the renaming, citing Graham’s service and his securing of $212 million in base funding. The announcement coincided with Graham’s memorial services at the U.S. Capitol and Washington National Cathedral, where President Donald Trump spoke.

33 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 11, 01:38 AM UTC

The death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on July 28, 2026, following his tenth visit to Kyiv since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has sparked debate about the transformation of the Republican Party under MAGA influence. Experts interviewed by Defence24 argue that Graham's passing represents the end of the neoconservative era in US politics, as hawkish foreign policy figures age out without successors. Graham was a key advocate for Ukraine aid and sanctions against Russia, and served as a crucial mediator between President Trump and Kyiv. The article notes that while most Republicans still support NATO, isolationist voices are growing, prioritizing national interests over global engagement. The analysis highlights that the current generation of politicians communicates more bluntly, using faits accomplis rather than diplomatic persuasion, a trend predating Trump's 2016 campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:07 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 28, 2026, ahead of Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, focusing on Ukraine’s licensed production of Patriot missile systems. Separately, Zelensky met Raytheon executives in Kyiv and gave an interview to far-right influencer Laura Loomer, who apologized for past anti-Ukraine remarks. Trump shared Loomer’s clip on Truth Social, signaling shifting MAGA attitudes. Zelensky also warned that Russia is sharing satellite imagery of U.S. bases with Iran.

21 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 31, 09:54 AM UTC

The White House forcefully denied that President Donald Trump fell asleep during Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, with spokesman Davis Ingle calling anyone who suggests otherwise a 'depraved moron.' Despite Trump delivering a eulogy praising Graham as 'a force to be reckoned with,' numerous images and videos circulated on social media appearing to show Trump with his eyes closed and face drooping during the service. The article notes this is part of a pattern, citing multiple previous incidents where Trump appeared to nod off during official events, including an Oval Office event on church-state separation, a briefing with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and a maternal health event. The White House has previously offered alternative explanations, such as claiming Trump was 'blinking' rather than sleeping.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:34 AM UTC

The White House has forcefully denied that President Donald Trump fell asleep during Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday. White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that Trump was 'reflecting on the loss of his dear friend' after delivering a eulogy, and called anyone suggesting otherwise a 'depraved moron.' However, numerous images and videos circulated on social media appeared to show Trump with drooping eyelids and struggling to stay awake. The article notes this is part of a pattern, citing multiple previous incidents where Trump appeared to nod off during Oval Office events and briefings, with the White House offering similar explanations in the past.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:34 AM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Washington on July 28, 2026, to meet President Donald Trump at the White House, as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its fifth month. The visit, confirmed by both leaders, also includes Netanyahu attending the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham. The meeting aims to coordinate strategy on Iran, amid strained U.S.-Israel relations, growing domestic and international pressures, and concerns from Trump’s anti-interventionist allies about further escalation.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:36 AM UTC

On July 28, 2026, President Donald Trump attended the funeral of former Senator Lindsey Graham at the Washington National Cathedral. After delivering a eulogy in which he went off-script to mock Graham and reminded attendees of the time he publicly shared Graham's cell phone number, Trump struggled to stay awake. Multiple videos posted by journalist Aaron Rupar show Trump's face drooping, eyes closing, and head tilting as he dozed off during other eulogies. The article, published by The New Republic, also includes a separate report on Canadian tourism boycotts costing the U.S. economy $3.3 billion due to Trump's tariffs and sovereignty threats.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 08:16 PM UTC

At the funeral of former Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), President Donald Trump acknowledged that he 'shouldn't have' shared Graham's personal cell phone number during a 2016 Republican primary rally. The incident occurred after Graham had called Trump a 'jackass' in 2015. Trump joked that Graham's phone 'exploded' with calls, prompting Graham to destroy the device on video. Despite the rocky start, Trump described the episode as the 'beginning of a friendship,' noting that Graham called him frequently over the next decade. The article, published by Forbes on July 28, 2026, is a breaking story covering Trump's lightly apologetic remarks at the memorial for the late senator, who later became a close ally.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:49 PM UTC

President Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks at the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Tuesday afternoon at the Washington National Cathedral. The service is expected to draw high-profile international figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The two world leaders reportedly met with President Trump ahead of the memorial service. The event underscores the bipartisan and international respect for Graham, a longtime senator known for his foreign policy influence. The funeral brings together key political figures amid ongoing global tensions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:00 PM UTC

President Donald Trump, in an interview on Fox and Friends, described the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) as someone who 'liked war' and was 'very strong on the military.' Trump made the remarks ahead of Graham's funeral scheduled for Tuesday. He jokingly stated that Graham 'never saw a war he didn't like,' while acknowledging the seriousness of the topic. The comments highlight Trump's characterization of Graham's hawkish foreign policy stance. The article, published by The Hill, reports on Trump's public reflection on the deceased senator's legacy and his approach to military conflicts.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:38 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Washington to meet President Donald Trump, warning that Russia may deploy 30,000 North Korean troops to the war. Zelenskyy also claims Russia is providing Iran with satellite surveillance of Gulf states and US bases. Ukraine struck an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea, accusing it of carrying military supplies from Iran to Russia. The article notes Trump's domestic struggles and his potential need for a diplomatic win, as he also prepares to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Domestically, the article covers New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposed city-owned grocery stores, the Fed's uncertain rate decision, and Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong's progressive platform.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:30 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are traveling to Washington, D.C., to attend the funeral of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11 from an aortic dissection. Both leaders plan to meet separately with President Donald Trump during their visits. Netanyahu aims to discuss Israel's security and the ongoing Iran war, which is currently in a pause after recent U.S. strikes. Zelenskyy's visit comes amid discussions of new peace proposals to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The two conflicts overlapped when Ukraine struck an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, which Kyiv said was transporting weapons to Russia. Graham, a close ally of both leaders, had just returned from a trip to Ukraine before his death. Two funerals are planned: one in Washington on Tuesday and another in South Carolina.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:06 PM UTC

Previously unreleased documentary footage shows late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham expressing glee over the US decision to bomb Iran, calling it a 'game' and comparing President Trump to FDR and Israeli PM Netanyahu to Churchill. The footage, captured by British filmmaker Alex Holder since 2023, also reveals a phone call where Graham and Netanyahu discuss lobbying Trump to expand the conflict. The article notes that 21 weeks into the Iran war, at least 18 US service members have been killed and over 600 wounded, while rising oil costs have strained the US economy. Republicans are reportedly losing confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership amid the war's lack of progress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:04 PM UTC

Former U.S. Representative Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) announced on Thursday morning his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Sanford cited the nation's fiscal crisis as his primary motivation, stating that the country is at a 'financial tipping point' and that he cannot remain idle while the federal government adds a trillion dollars to the national debt every 100 days. The announcement marks Sanford's return to electoral politics after his previous tenure in the House of Representatives. The race is expected to draw significant attention in South Carolina's Republican primary.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:11 PM UTC

Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Representative Mark Sanford has entered the Republican special election primary for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat. Sanford, who briefly ran for his old House seat earlier this year before dropping out to focus on national debt issues, announced his candidacy on July 23, 2026. He joins a growing field of GOP candidates including Darline Graham (Graham's sister, appointed to fill the seat and endorsed by President Trump), House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and attorney Duke Buckner. Sanford's campaign emphasizes fiscal conservatism and addressing government spending and inflation, positioning him apart from Trump-aligned MAGA candidates. The filing period ends July 28, with a primary on August 11 and a potential runoff on August 25. The Republican nominee will face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in the November general election.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:20 PM UTC

The sudden death of four-term Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has upended the 2026 midterm campaign. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim senator. A special GOP primary is set for August 11, with potential candidates including Rep. Nancy Mace, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and others. President Trump hinted at a preferred candidate but declined to name them. The seat remains solidly Republican.

41 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:20 PM UTC

Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Representative Mark Sanford has entered the Republican special election primary for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat. Sanford, who previously ran for his old House seat before dropping out to focus on national debt issues, launched his campaign citing rising government spending and inflation as key motivators. He joins a crowded GOP field that includes Darline Graham (Graham's sister and current appointee, endorsed by President Trump), House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and attorney Duke Buckner. The filing period closes on July 28, the same day as Graham's funeral. The primary is set for August 11, with a potential runoff on August 25. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. Sanford positions himself as a fiscal conservative distinct from the MAGA-aligned candidates in the race.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:20 PM UTC

A new poll from Republican-aligned firm Peak Insights shows former Rep. Trey Gowdy leading a crowded GOP field for the South Carolina special election to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat, despite Gowdy repeatedly stating he is not interested. Gowdy draws 38% support, far ahead of declared candidates like Rep. Ralph Norman (13%), Rep. Russell Fry (9%), and Trump-endorsed Sen. Darline Graham (9%). Even when respondents are informed of Trump's endorsement for Graham, her support rises only to 16%, while Gowdy drops to 35%. Sen. Tim Scott, a longtime friend of Gowdy and chair of the NRSC, is actively recruiting Gowdy to run. The election is seen as a test of Trump's influence in South Carolina, as multiple candidates tout loyalty to the president despite lacking his formal backing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:47 PM UTC

A new poll from Republican-aligned firm Peak Insights shows former Rep. Trey Gowdy leading a crowded field of potential and declared GOP candidates for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's South Carolina Senate seat, despite Gowdy repeatedly stating he is not interested in running. Gowdy draws 38% support, far ahead of Rep. Ralph Norman (13%), Rep. Russell Fry (9%), and Trump-endorsed Sen. Darline Graham (9%). Even when respondents are informed of Trump's endorsement, Graham's support only rises to 16%, while Gowdy remains at 35%. Sen. Tim Scott, a close friend of Gowdy and chair of the NRSC, is actively recruiting Gowdy to enter the race, praising him as the best representative of South Carolina. The special election is seen as a test of Trump's political influence in the state.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:47 PM UTC

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) endorsed fellow Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), publicly breaking with President Trump. Mace praised Norman as a 'tried and true conservative' who 'doesn't bend, doesn't back down,' appearing with him on the steps of the Capitol. The endorsement signals a rift within the South Carolina Republican delegation, as Trump had reportedly favored a different candidate for the Senate seat. The move highlights ongoing intraparty tensions ahead of the special election to fill Graham's vacancy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:16 PM UTC

The race to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat in South Carolina has become a new test of Donald Trump's political influence. Sen. Darline Graham, appointed to fill her brother's term, announced she will seek a full term with Trump's endorsement. However, a crowded field of Republican opponents, including Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and potential candidates like former Gov. Mark Sanford and Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, have not been deterred. This signals that challenging a Trump-backed candidate may no longer be a career-ender within the party. Trump's recent endorsement setbacks in Iowa and Georgia gubernatorial races, along with Evette's loss despite his backing, have emboldened challengers. All candidates are running as staunch Trump supporters, competing to prove their loyalty to the MAGA agenda.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:45 AM UTC

Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced on Monday that she will not run for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). In a statement, Mace explained that her decision is not due to a lack of resolve but because she has 'unfinished business' in the House of Representatives. She emphasized that the fight she is currently engaged in matters and requires her continued focus. The announcement clarifies the upcoming Senate race in South Carolina, removing a potential high-profile candidate from the contest.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:04 PM UTC

This analysis from The Week examines the political career of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. It highlights his transformation from a principled, bipartisan senator and close ally of John McCain to a fawning supporter of Donald Trump. Initially a vocal critic of Trump in 2016, Graham later became his key Senate ally, abandoning his earlier 'idealistic patriotism' for political relevance. The article draws on multiple sources, including The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Politico, to explore whether Graham's shift was a cynical adaptation to the new GOP or a genuine change. It notes that Graham used his proximity to Trump to advance long-standing policy goals, such as bombing Iran. The piece concludes by questioning whether the trade-off was worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

This analysis examines the political career of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. The article traces his transformation from a bipartisan, hawkish patriot who initially condemned Donald Trump as a 'race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot' to becoming Trump's most important Senate ally. Graham's career is divided into two phases: loyalty to John McCain as a 'Three Amigos' member advocating American military power for good, and later a 'head-spinning transformation' to align with Trump. Critics note Graham craved influence and chose adaptation over leaving politics, using his proximity to Trump to advance long-standing goals like bombing Iran. The piece questions whether his legacy of abandoning principles for relevance was ultimately worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

This analysis examines the political legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. It traces his transformation from a principled, bipartisan hawk in the John McCain mold—who once called Donald Trump a 'race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot'—into Trump's most important Senate ally. The article highlights Graham's 'head-spinning transformation' after Trump's 2016 victory, driven by a craving for influence and relevance. It notes that Graham abandoned his earlier 'idealistic patriotism' to become an opportunistic collaborator, enabling him to advance long-standing policy goals like bombing Iran. The piece concludes by questioning whether the trade-off was worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

South Carolina Republican Representative Russell Fry announced on Monday that he will run for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). In a campaign statement, Fry expressed grief over the loss of Graham, whom he called a 'legendary leader' and a close friend, and stated that the focus now shifts to the future. Fry's entry into the race marks the beginning of a competitive Republican primary to fill the seat in a deeply conservative state. The announcement comes as South Carolina prepares for a special election to determine Graham's successor.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:46 PM UTC