'All for optics': Internet torches Lindsey Graham as he sends UNC counter-protesters Chick-fil-A for 'protecting Old Glory'

WASHINGTON, DC: A gesture of appreciation by Senator Lindsey Graham towards a group of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) students sparked a firestorm of criticism across the internet.

On Saturday, May 4, Graham announced that he was sending Chick-fil-A to counter-protesters who had intervened during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on the UNC campus earlier in the week, as per The Hill.

Lindsey Graham sends Chick-fil-A meals to counter-protesters

In a post on the social media platform X, Graham stated, "I'm so proud of the courageous young men at @UNC that protected our flag and stood up for America against the pro-Hamas protesters on their campus."

"The actions of these young men make me hopeful for the next generation's love for our country. Fellas, as a thank you for protecting Old Glory, @ChickfilA is on the way this morning, compliments of Team Graham!" he added.

The incident in question occurred on Tuesday, April 30, when members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity prevented an American flag from touching the ground during a protest on campus.

Viral videos captured the fraternity brothers holding up the flag as activists threw objects at them. This led to the creation of a GoFundMe campaign titled "UNC Frat Bros Defended their Flag. Throw 'em a Rager," which ultimately raised over $500,000.

Lindsey Graham's gesture not only high-profile response to UNC incident

Graham's gesture was not the only high-profile response to the UNC incident.

Country music artist John Rich expressed his willingness to perform a free concert for the fraternity members, stating, "I reached out and I said, 'Boys, I sure am proud of you. When you have that big rager you guys are talking about on GoFundMe, I'd like to show up and play you a free concert.'"

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, known for his stance against recent pro-Palestinian protests, contributed $10,000 to the fraternity’s GoFundMe campaign.

The UNC demonstration was part of a larger wave of protests sweeping college campuses nationwide, centered on Palestinian rights and the crisis in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Internet torches Lindsey Graham for rewarding UNC counter-protesters with Chick-fil-A

Graham's decision to reward the UNC counter-protesters with Chick-fil-A drew widespread condemnation on social media.

One user on X remarked, "Everything wrong today, is personified in Lindsey." Another user added, "YOUR DAYS IN OFFICE ARE SOOOOO NUMBERED."

One user expressed disdain, saying, "Imagine using Israel / Palestine as an opportunity to plug Chick-fil-A. You're truly pathetic." Meanwhile, a fourth user commented, "You are as anti-American as it gets. Your actions in the government proves that. A warmonger that constantly advocates sending US taxpayer money over seas."

Another commenter questioned Graham's honesty, stating, "Sir, please attempt to be honest. It’s obvious you are a shill for the military industrial complex and care nothing about the lives of your fellow citizen constituency."

A user asserted, "You are a damned joke and will go down in history as the guy who joined every party in politics to form the formerly covert Uniparty." Another user criticized, "How do you manage to make everything cringe? You are an abomination to the conservative movement."

Lastly, one user bluntly wrote, "This is what bulls**t looks like!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.