President Donald Trump used an anti-transgender slur against Democratic Senate nominee Annie Andrews in a Truth Social post, as he seeks to boost his chosen candidate, Republican Darline Graham, in South Carolina. The race has tightened, with Trump allies expressing concern over Graham's polling.
The use of inflammatory language by a leading political figure in a closely contested Senate race highlights the divisive nature of political discourse and can influence voter sentiment and campaign strategies.
President Donald Trump used an anti-transgender slur against Democratic South Carolina Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in a Truth Social post on Monday, as he seeks to support his chosen Republican candidate, Senator Darline Graham. Trump wrote that Andrews, who is running against Graham, used a version of the slur three times.
Trump also praised Darline Graham, the sister of his late friend Senator Lindsey Graham, calling her "the finest, most reliable, and one of the smartest people I have ever known." Republicans in the state have criticized Andrews for her past support of providing hormone treatment for children, though she has stated she does not support gender-identity surgery for minors.
Andrews responded to Trump's comments by stating her focus is on her patients, her three children, and South Carolina, emphasizing her commitment to lowering costs and improving lives for families. She added that her campaign is for those who care more about their bills than Washington politics.
The race in South Carolina, once considered a safe Republican seat, has tightened. The Cook Political Report recently shifted its rating from solidly Republican to likely Republican. Trump allies have expressed concerns to CNN about Graham's polling numbers.
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