Trump gives Lindsey Graham 'complete and total endorsement' ahead of South Carolina primary

WASHIGNTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, June 4, endorsed Senator Lindsey Graham for re-election in South Carolina, citing Graham’s work on the Save America Act. The move highlights their strong political partnership and aims to rally Republican voters behind the senator ahead of the upcoming primary.

President Trump used Truth Social to praise the legislation and urge South Carolina voters to cast their ballots for Graham.

Trump backs Lindsey Graham over Save America Act

In his post, Trump thanked Graham for his work, writing, "I'd like to thank our great Senator, Lindsey Graham, for putting up THE SAVE AMERICA ACT for a Vote today."

Trump specifically highlighted five provisions included in the legislation. He noted that all voters would be required to show photo identification and provide proof of citizenship.

The bill would also restrict voting by mail, allowing absentee ballots only in cases of illness, disability, military service, or travel.

Additionally, the proposal would ban male-born athletes from competing in women's sports and prohibit what Trump described as "TRANSGENDER MUTILIZATION SURGERY FOR OUR CHILDREN."

Trump and Lindsey Graham's long political alliance

The endorsement underscores Graham’s status as one of the president's closest allies in the Senate.

The two have worked closely on a range of major issues, including foreign policy, judicial appointments, and debates over election laws.

Given their long-standing alliance, there is little doubt about whom the president wants to win. As Trump stated, Graham "HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT, AND WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!"

Lindsey Graham thanks Trump for endorsement

Senator Graham quickly shared the president's post and responded with a statement of his own.

"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 wrote.

He outlined his view of the bill’s importance, noting, "The SAVE America Act: Requires voter ID; Proof of citizenship so only US citizens can vote; Men can’t play women’s sports; No gender changes for minors. This is just common sense."

Graham further criticized the opposition, stating, "All Democrats voted no, and they will eventually pay a price."

He concluded by thanking the president for his support, adding, "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." 

Trump's endorsement boosts Lindsey Graham before primary

The timing is significant, as the South Carolina primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9.

With Trump’s endorsement now firmly in place, Graham’s primary opponents must contend with the considerable political weight of the president’s backing, with only a few days remaining before voters head to the polls. 

Trump has historically enjoyed considerable success with his endorsements. Most recently, he helped unseat Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky.

Massie, who had served in Congress since 2012, lost his seat in the May 19, 2026, primary after 14 years in office, falling to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein. Given that influence, the president delivered a direct message to voters, declaring, "This Tuesday, June 9th, all Republicans in South Carolina should vote for Lindsey Graham."