Trump hails Lindsey Graham’s ‘big win’ in South Carolina primary, urges focus on Save America act

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump congratulated Senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday, June 9, after the South Carolina Republican won his party’s Senate primary, while also renewing his call for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act. Trump used the result to highlight one of his legislative priorities, urging continued efforts to advance the election-related proposal.

“Congratulations to Senator Lindsey Graham on his BIG WIN tonight. With almost 60% of the vote against a large number of candidates, there will be no runoff,” Trump wrote. “Now Lindsey will be able to devote his time to passing the desperately needed, and long overdue, SAVE AMERICA ACT!”

Lindsey Graham advances after high-profile Republican primary

Graham, who is seeking a fifth Senate term, emerged victorious in a six-candidate Republican field. While several candidates appeared on the ballot, much of the race centered on a contest between Graham and businessman Mark Lynch.

The primary became a test of competing factions within the Republican Party. Graham campaigned as a longtime conservative lawmaker and one of Trump’s closest allies in Washington, while Lynch sought support from voters who viewed Graham as insufficiently aligned with some elements of the Trump movement.

Lynch received backing from former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who described him as “the America First candidate” and argued he would oppose foreign military interventions.

Trump, however, repeatedly defended Graham during the campaign. Just a day before the election, he praised the senator’s work in Congress and urged Republicans to support him.

"Lindsey is working tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Lower Taxes, Cut Regulations and Eliminate Government Waste,” Trump said. “Vote for Lindsey.”

SAVE America Act remains key focus for Trump and Graham

Earlier this month on June 4, Graham introduced an amendment designed to force a Senate vote on the legislation.

“Today I introduced an amendment that will guarantee the Senate's first vote on the SAVE America Act,” Graham wrote on X. “President Donald Trump has been clear that this is a key piece in delivering the America First agenda, and I agree.”

The proposal, however, failed to advance in the Senate after four Republicans joined Democrats in voting against a procedural amendment tied to a broader immigration enforcement package. The measure fell short of the 60 votes needed to move forward. 

Ahead of that vote, Trump publicly endorsed Graham and thanked him for championing the legislation. “I'd like to thank our great Senator, Lindsey Graham, for putting up THE SAVE AMERICA ACT for a Vote today,” Trump wrote, arguing that the proposal would strengthen election security.

Thanking Trump for his endorsement, Graham has consistently said he intended to continue backing the president’s agenda.

“It’s been a great honor to have President Trump’s endorsement for my reelection,” Graham said. “The best way that I can pay him back is to continue to support his agenda and be his friend. I intend to do both.” He added, “President Trump’s endorsement means the world to me. I am humbled by his faith in me as a Senator and as a friend.”