‘She’s Very Smart’: Days After Darline Graham’s Big Fumble, Trump Defends Her
Trump has chosen his favorite in this race, but will it be enough to win the runoff vote?
Last week, Senator Darline Graham became the subject of social media jokes after giving a controversial response to a simple question. On Tuesday, Graham debated Representative Ralph Norman, one day before early voting started in the runoff to decide South Carolina’s GOP Senate nominee.
During the debate, moderator Greta Van Susteren asked Graham whether she considered Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States and, if so, why. Graham said, “I’m just going to be honest here, I’m not that informed on national security,” before adding, “But I do support the military.”
Donald Trump leapt to her defense, saying, “All she was is being honest. She’s very smart. And she was being honest. I mean, she’s into the price of groceries, the price of food, the price of beef. And it… hasn’t been her thing, but she’s surrounded by very good people. And she said that she’s totally for the military. I mean, she’s going to do what the military wants.”
However, not everyone spoke positively about the incident. Notably, former Congressman Adam Morgan in an X post said that Graham’s comments were part of a “stunning debate flop.” He continued, adding that “the main criticism” against Graham was that”she’s not qualified for this 6-year position.” He further said, “Now she reveals she can’t answer basic national security questions!”
“National security is my thing”
Trump continued, “She understands that National security is my thing. And she is a terrific woman who answered. I watched that. I thought it was a very honest answer, actually.”
Trump appeared to address Graham’s slip-up during another instance as well. On Friday, during her rally at Myrtle Beach, Trump, referring to the incident, said, “She’s never done it before, but she knows politics well. He added, “She loves our military. She loves things that have to do with greatness for America.” He also said, “Darline will support our military. I spoke to her two days ago, and what she really wants to do is support our military and make sure they’re taken care of.”
Who is Darline Graham?
Darline Graham is a U.S. Senate member from South Carolina. She assumed the position on July 13, 2026, after Governor Henry McMaster appointed her following the passing of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Graham’s appointment to the role makes her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
The runoff vote between Graham and Norman will take place on Aug. 25 and will decide who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the midterm elections.
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