Trump Defends, Praises Lindsey Graham As 2026 Primary Challenge Intensifies

President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday, urging Republican voters to back him as he faces a primary challenge.

Trump posted the endorsement on his social media account, praising Graham’s performance while criticizing his opponent, Mark Lynch. Trump described Lynch as “a disaster for the Republican Party” and accused him of aligning with figures like Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie.

“Senator Lindsey Graham is doing a fantastic job. He is running against a LUNATIC named Mark Lynch, who supports perhaps the Worst Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie, of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Trump wrote. “I don’t have to go into great detail, but needless to say, Mark Lynch would be a DISASTER for the Republican Party, and Lindsey Graham just, GETS THE JOB DONE. VOTE FOR LINDSEY ALL THE WAY.”

This is not the first time Trump endorsed Graham. In March 2025, Trump issued a formal endorsement backing Graham’s re-election, praising his work on behalf of South Carolina and highlighting his support for core Republican priorities. Trump credited Graham with efforts to advance tax cuts, strengthen border security, support the military and veterans, and push for fiscal restraint through his role on the Senate Budget Committee.

“Senator Lindsey Graham has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. Everyone in South Carolina should help Lindsey have a BIG WIN next year!” Trump wrote.

Graham took an active, behind-the-scenes role pushing the U.S. toward military action against Iran by working closely with foreign officials and intelligence sources. He traveled repeatedly to Israel, where he met with members of the country’s intelligence agency and gathered information that he later brought back to Washington.

Graham openly acknowledged meeting with foreign intelligence officials, saying they provide him information that U.S. government sources do not. (RELATED: Lindsey Graham Says He’ll Take Blame If Iran Operation Fails)

“They’ll tell me things our own government won’t tell me,” Graham told the Wall Street Journal.

Graham reportedly used that information to lobby Trump directly, including through private meetings and informal conversations, while coordinating with leaders such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Mohammed bin Salman. He advised foreign leaders how to better influence Trump and helped align regional backing for potential military action.

Israel Hayom, an Israeli outlet, reported the close relationship between Graham and Netanyahu and identified the senator as one of four central figures shaping the war effort. The publication said Graham returned to Mar-a-Lago after a Middle East trip carrying messages from Gulf states urging U.S. action, which contrasted with public accounts at the time.

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