President Donald Trump continued to support Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) reelection bid through a phone call during his state GOP’s gala — though some in MAGA world aren’t buying it.
Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. André Bauer (R) announced his primary challenge to Graham earlier last month, arguing that he doesn’t believe the four-term senator is a true conservative for South Carolina. Paul Dans, a former key architect of The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, has also jumped into the race.
Graham, whose relationship with Trump has soured over the years, received the president’s “Complete and Total” endorsement for reelection earlier this year. Trump reiterated his support as Graham held up his phone to the microphone on Saturday for the audience to hear.
“Lindsey, thank you so much, you’ve been my friend. I know you’re in a big race, and I don’t think it’s going to be a contest, but I have a feeling you’re going to do very well. You have for a long time," Trump said at the event during remarks posted by Graham on X on Saturday.
“And Lindsey Graham, just so you know, full endorsement. Trump’s full endorsement. He’s a great guy. Every time I needed him, he was there for me,” he continued.
Meanwhile, a band of MAGA faithful did not appear content with the president’s backing of Graham.
“Nobody cares, we’re still supporting your primary opponent,” columnist Dustin Grage wrote in response.
Another user said: “Primaries are coming and we don’t care what the boss thinks on this one.”
“F--- off lindsey we all hate you regardless of trump he’s going off the rails supporting sh--bags like you dog a-- sniffer,” a different user posted.
Someone also added, “I love our President, but I think this guy is his biggest blindspot (and we all have them).”
“Look at this sh--! I’m liking Trump less and less!” one user said.
Other users asked how Trump’s endorsement has not picked up the full condemnation from MAGA.
“I’m sorry, but I just don’t get how people can ‘hate the neocons and RINOs’ and support Trump’s bullish-- endorsements that protect them. How is this not an issue for the MAGA people?” Melissa Blasek, a former New Hampshire state lawmaker (R), asked.
One user said: “The betrayals of MAGA and conservatives will continue until MAGA decides to grow a spine and stand up for themselves.”
Dans, one of Graham’s challengers, had attended the event, according to Fox News, and responded to Trump’s repeated endorsement.
“Lindsey Graham’s terrified—his Senate seat’s at risk against me, his toughest challenger yet. After 32 years of broken term-limit promises, he’s done. Clinging to President Trump won’t save him from SC’s America First Patriots who see his grift," his campaign account wrote, adding the hashtags “#LindseyPanic” and “#PrezTrumpPlsHelpMe.”
Graham has recently sparked the ire of some in Trump’s base after he took a recent trip to Ukraine and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“The White House has to condemn this immediately and pull all support and tell Lindsey Graham to come home or we are going to put you under arrest when you come home. You’re stirring it up,” former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said on his “War Room” podcast in June.
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