Key facts
- Elizabeth Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, made a foreign policy misstep.
- The misstep has drawn criticism from opponents and raised concerns among some allies.
- President Donald Trump has previously championed Graham's appointment and encouraged her Senate run.
- Trump is scheduled to rally with Graham to support her election bid.
- Graham's opponent, Norman, has a differing stance on Taiwan and previously endorsed Haley over Trump.
Senate candidate Elizabeth Graham is facing criticism for a foreign policy misstep, with opponents and some allies questioning her preparedness less than a week before the election. The gaffe has increased pressure on President Donald Trump, who had championed Graham's appointment and is planning to rally with her on Friday.
A former Trump administration official, speaking anonymously, stated that Graham "just doesn’t have the experience of executing" and that her narrative is currently tied to her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Despite this, the White House remains supportive due to Trump's relationship with the late senator and Graham's perceived advantage over her opponent, Norman, who endorsed Haley over Trump in the 2024 Republican primary.
A second person familiar with the White House's thinking confirmed that "POTUS is still all in on the endorsement." The White House declined to comment on Trump's support. The incident highlights the risks for Trump as he seeks to help a political novice secure a Senate seat and avoid further damage to his endorsement record. His planned rally in Myrtle Beach is a significant event, given his reduced explicit campaign travel this year.
Norman, Graham's opponent, described Taiwan as a "definite ally" and supported Trump's approach to enabling their self-defense against China. While Norman did not directly criticize Graham during the debate, his supporters have been vocal about her misstep. Graham's stumble contrasts sharply with her late brother's strong stance on Taiwan, where he had criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping and emphasized maintaining the status quo for U.S. national security.