Trump defends Darline Graham's Taiwan response: 'She was being honest'
The Hill · C · trust 47/100
Comments: by Joshua Feldstein - 08/21/26 6:56 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Joshua Feldstein - 08/21/26 6:56 PM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING President Trump defended Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) on Friday following her stumble on a national security question during the Palmetto State’s GOP Senate primary debate this week.
The president offered his support to Graham as he was on his way to Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he’s set to rally alongside her Friday evening, just days ahead of the state’s Republican runoff.
Trump has consistently endorsed Graham, especially during her face off against Rep. Ralph Norman (S.C.), since she was appointed to fill out the rest of her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) term.
“She’s very smart, and she was being honest. She’s into the price of groceries. ... She is going to do what the military wants, and really what the president wants,” Trump said Friday before leaving for South Carolina.
“She understands that national security is my thing. ... I thought it was a very honest answer,” the president continued.
Darline Graham’s slip up earlier this week has raised concerns over whether she is too much of a political novice to fill her brother’s role, who served in the Air Force and had extensive national security experience.
When asked at the debate if Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the U.S., Darline Graham responded, “I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security.”
Following the debate, she acknowledged her mistake, telling Fox News on Wednesday that she “tripped up” on her answer.
“I have said many times I’m not a politician, certainly not a career politician. I don’t speak politician,” Graham continued as part of her defense.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) was among those who criticized Graham’s response, saying the late senator’s sister is not qualified to keep her post for a full term.
“Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States’ national security. Darline Graham admits she’s not,” Haley wrote Tuesday on the social platform X . “This is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate.”
Norman, Graham’s challenger, also received an endorsement from former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) on Friday — despite him usually refraining from backing political candidates. Sanford finished fourth in the Senate GOP primary in June.
The president will campaign Friday night with Graham in Myrtle Beach, a key district in the state and home to former Senate candidate Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.). As Fry did not advance to the GOP runoff, Norman and Graham may see his 7th Congressional District as a way to reach new audiences.
South Carolina’s Republican primary runoff will be held Tuesday.
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