Lindsey Graham's Sister Wins Republican Primary to Contest Senate Seat in November Voters in South Carolina have chosen Darline Graham, the sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, as the Republican candidate to contest his US Senate seat in November. Graham's bid received strong backing from President Donald Trump, who travelled to the state to campaign for her. Graham's victory is being seen as evidence of Trump's continuing influence over the Republican Party. Graham is currently serving in the Senate as a temporary replacement for her brother, who died suddenly in July. She had never previously run for elected office. Republicans and Democrats also held primaries in several other states on Tuesday, as they narrowed down their field of candidates for the midterm elections. Political experts expect that Graham will now go on to succeed in the November election. South Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the Senate for decades. The midterms more generally will decide which party controls the US Congress - which in turn will have a bearing on the second half of Trump's presidency. Graham was running against right-wing Republican Congressman Ralph Norman, who sought to portray his opponent as a puppet of Washington politicians. The head-to-head was set up after the pair emerged as the top two from a wider field of candidates during an initial contest earlier this month. Norman is a supporter of Trump and has voted in favour of many of his policies. But in 2024, he initially backed Trump's primary opponent Nikki Haley as his pick for Republican presidential candidate. With counting almost complete, Graham had received 52.5% of the vote, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News. In a post on X, she thanked her supporters and the president, and said she was "deeply honoured and humbled" by the result.#donald_trump #south_carolina #lindsey_graham #darline_graham #ralph_norman
Sen. Darline Graham Wins South Carolina GOP Senate Race, Defeating Rep. Ralph Norman Sen. Darline Graham secured victory in South Carolina’s Republican Senate primary runoff, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman, according to NBC News projections. The win marks a significant milestone for President Donald Trump, who had actively endorsed and campaigned for Graham following the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, six weeks prior. With nearly all votes counted, Graham led Norman by approximately 52% to 48%, a result that solidified her position as the Republican nominee for the November general election. At her election night celebration in Columbia, Graham honored her late brother, acknowledging his enduring influence on her campaign. She expressed gratitude toward Trump for his support, stating, “Our victory would not have been possible without you,” and emphasized South Carolina’s alignment with Trump’s political base. “Mr. President, Lindsey truly loved you and viewed you as one of his closest friends,” she said, reflecting on her brother’s legacy. Norman, meanwhile, conceded the race in Rock Hill, acknowledging the state’s decision while criticizing Trump’s involvement. “I really hate it for the state,” he said, though he admitted the outcome was inevitable. He praised Trump’s policies but questioned the rationale for his support in the race, noting, “I never understood why he got in this race.” Despite the tension, Norman pledged to call Graham and accept the results. Trump’s campaign for Graham was central to the race, with the president holding in-person and virtual rallies to bolster her candidacy. His allies also launched a late-stage $830,000 push via a super PAC, amplifying her visibility.#donald_trump #south_carolina #lindsey_graham #sen_darline_graham #rep_ralph_norman
Primaries Test Democratic Party and 'Red Alert' After Colombia Earthquake: Morning Rundown Progressive Democrats face critical tests in Tuesday’s primary elections as ideological and generational divides within the party come to the forefront. In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is vying for the governor’s seat, positioning herself as a major opportunity for her movement. Her campaign, which has secured a substantial polling lead, faces off against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who aims to unite the party’s establishment wing. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive advocate, challenges moderate Rep. Angie Craig, whose 2018 Senate race victory is cited as evidence of her ability to retain Democratic control of the seat. South Carolina’s Republicans will select a new Senate nominee following Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death, with President Donald Trump endorsing his sister, Darline Graham, though a runoff remains possible due to a crowded field. Additional primary races are set in Vermont, Connecticut, and Alabama, where voters in newly mapped House districts will test Trump’s influence through endorsements. In the broader political landscape, a U.S. military intelligence assessment reveals a strategic shift in Iran’s priorities, moving away from its nuclear program toward the Strait of Hormuz. The report, shared with two U.S. officials, indicates that Tehran’s focus has intensified on securing control of the critical waterway, which is vital for global oil shipments. Trump has been informed that a U.S. military campaign to seize the strait would be lengthy, costly, and fraught with uncertainty, with no guarantee of success. Despite ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman, the U.S.#lindsey_graham #francesca_hong #david_crowley #peggy_flanagan #angie_craig
U.S. Senate Approves Bill Imposing Tariffs on Russian Energy Imports The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a bill aimed at imposing tariffs on Russian oil and other energy products, marking a significant escalation in economic pressure on Moscow. The legislation, introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, grants the U.S. president authority to levy tariffs of up to 100% on imports of Russian crude oil, natural gas, and related energy goods. Analysts warn that this measure could severely impact countries such as India, China, and other major buyers of Russian energy, which have been critical to sustaining Moscow’s economy amid international sanctions. The bill’s primary objective is to further strain Russia’s financial system by cutting off its access to global markets. U.S. officials argue that Russia has used its energy exports to bolster its war effort in Ukraine, providing critical funding to sustain military operations. By targeting the flow of Russian oil and gas to key importers, the U.S. aims to disrupt Moscow’s ability to finance its military campaigns. The measure also seeks to pressure nations that continue to engage in energy trade with Russia, even as global efforts to isolate the country intensify. Under the proposed framework, the U.S. president would have the power to impose steep tariffs on any country importing Russian energy products. This includes not only traditional buyers like India and China but also other nations that have maintained limited trade ties with Russia. The bill’s passage—ratified by an 86–11 vote in the Senate—signals bipartisan support for tightening economic sanctions, though critics argue it could inadvertently harm global energy markets and drive up prices for consumers.#lindsey_graham #u_s_senate #u_s_president #russian_energy_imports #india_china
US Senate Votes on Russia Sanctions Bill, Sparks Tariff Fears for India and China The US Senate is set to vote on a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, which could lead to 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas. The legislation, named the "Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026," aims to curb Moscow’s energy revenue and limit Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The bill’s passage could have significant implications for India and China, which are among the world’s largest buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. The proposed law grants President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs on nations that continue importing large quantities of Russian energy. This comes amid heightened tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the US seeking to weaken Moscow’s financial resources. The bill’s timing coincides with the funeral of late Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a key architect of the legislation. India and China face heightened risks due to their reliance on Russian energy. India imports approximately 85% of its crude oil, with around 17 lakh barrels per day sourced from Russia. China, meanwhile, imports nearly 20 lakh barrels daily. Both nations have become critical buyers of Russian energy since the 2022 Ukraine war, as global energy markets shifted due to Western sanctions. Russian oil has provided India’s refineries with cost advantages, helping stabilize domestic fuel prices despite global inflation. The bill’s potential implementation could disrupt India’s energy supply chain and strain its trade relations with the US. Analysts warn that tariffs could increase costs for Indian industries reliant on Russian imports, while also complicating ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.#india #china #president_donald_trump #lindsey_graham #us_senate
Lindsey Graham, Key Ally of Donald Trump, Dies After Sudden Illness Lindsey Graham, a longtime U.S. senator and key ally of Donald Trump, has died from a sudden illness, his office announced in the early hours of Sunday. The 71-year-old Republican, who had represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2003, passed away unexpectedly, leaving the political landscape in shock. His death marks the end of an era for the Republican Party, which had seen him as a pivotal figure in its strategy and a staunch defender of Trump’s policies. Graham’s abrupt demise has sent ripples through Washington, with colleagues and allies mourning the loss of a leader known for his unyielding stance on national security and his complex relationship with Trump. The senator’s office released a statement confirming his death, noting that he had “passed away from a brief and sudden illness” on the evening of Saturday, July 11. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, asking for prayers and condolences. A retired Air Force Reserve colonel and former military lawyer, Graham was a prominent hawk in American politics, advocating for aggressive military action in Iraq and opposing the Iran nuclear deal negotiated under President Barack Obama. His career was defined by a sharp contrast in his views of Trump, evolving from a vocal critic to one of the president’s most loyal supporters. Graham’s political journey began with a fierce opposition to Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. He publicly denounced the former candidate, calling him a “jackass,” a “race-baiting bigot,” and the “most flawed nominee in the history of the Republican party.” On social media, he warned that endorsing Trump would lead to the party’s downfall, stating, “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed … and we will deserve it.#donald_trump #south_carolina #lindsey_graham #joe_lieberman #john_mccain
The U.S. Senate advanced a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan on Thursday, prompting criticism from South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, aims to bolster military and humanitarian efforts in the region. However, Graham’s comments on the ongoing military operation against Iran’s Kharg Island drew sharp backlash from fellow lawmakers and military families. Graham, a Republican, argued that the U.S. should continue the operation to weaken Iran’s regime, comparing the effort to the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. “Take Kharg Island, where all of the resources they have to produce oil are,” he told Fox News, urging President Trump to “let this regime die on a vine.” He emphasized the importance of controlling the island, which serves as a key oil hub for Iran, and praised the Marines’ role in the operation. “We did Iwo Jima, we can do this,” he said, despite acknowledging the high cost of the mission. At least 13 U.S. service members have died since the Trump administration launched the operation, raising concerns about the risks involved. Graham defended the strategy, stating, “God bless the fallen,” but faced criticism for downplaying the human toll. Senator Elizabeth Mace, a Democrat, condemned Graham’s remarks, calling them “unacceptable” and accusing him of treating troops as expendable. “He was wrong about Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Iran,” she wrote on social media, referencing past military missteps. The debate over the operation intensified after Mace voted against a war powers resolution that would have required Trump to halt military actions in Iran. The resolution failed, allowing the administration to continue its efforts.#iran #kharg_island #lindsey_graham #u_s_senate #marines
Lindsey Graham invokes Iwo Jima in call for Trump to 'take Kharg Island' Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) urged President Donald Trump to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub, during an appearance on Fox News, drawing a parallel to the historic Battle of Iwo Jima. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Graham told host Shannon Bream: “We did Iwo Jima, we can do this.” He emphasized his confidence in the U.S. military’s ability to secure the island, which lies approximately 20 miles off Iran’s coast, and called for Trump to maintain pressure on Iran until the goal is achieved. “Keep it up for a few more weeks, take Kharg Island where all of the resources they have to produce oil, control that island, let this regime die on a vine,” Graham said. Graham’s remarks followed a recent analysis by The Atlantic magazine, which warned that an invasion of Kharg could escalate into a prolonged and costly conflict. The publication described the operation as a “grinding war of attrition,” citing the island’s strategic significance and the potential for high casualties. In response, Graham dismissed the analysis as “armchair quarterbacking,” asserting his trust in the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense. “I trust the Marines, not that guy,” he said, referring to the Atlantic’s pessimistic assessment. Graham highlighted the deployment of two Marine expeditionary units to the region, reinforcing his belief in the feasibility of the mission. The Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest conflicts of World War II, resulted in nearly 7,000 U.S. service members killed and over 20,000 wounded. The battle was a critical part of the U.S. military’s island-hopping strategy to advance toward Japan, securing airbases for bombers. Graham’s invocation of Iwo Jima underscored his argument that the U.S.#donald_trump #kharg_island #lindsey_graham #fox_news #shannon_bream
Lindsey Graham slams Europe over Strait of Hormuz reluctance Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) criticized European allies on Tuesday for their reluctance to deploy military assets to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that their inaction could have severe consequences for U.S.-European alliances. In a social media post, Graham claimed he had spoken with President Donald Trump about the issue, describing the president’s frustration as unprecedented. Trump has been pushing for an international coalition to work with the U.S. to secure the critical oil shipping lane, which Iran closed shortly after the start of the U.S.-Israeli conflict in the region. The blockade has triggered a global energy crisis and spiked oil prices. Graham accused European nations of failing to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling their approach a “miserable failure.” He questioned the future of transatlantic alliances, stating that the repercussions of limited support for the Strait of Hormuz could be “wide and deep” for both Europe and the U.S. “I consider myself very forward-leaning on supporting alliances,” he wrote, “but at a time of real testing like this, it makes me second guess the value of these alliances.” Trump, meanwhile, has publicly criticized NATO allies for avoiding involvement in the conflict. In a Truth Social post, he accused the alliance of making a “very foolish mistake” by refusing to join the U.S. military operation against Iran. He argued that the U.S. no longer needs NATO’s assistance, despite the alliance’s traditional role in collective defense. Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, recently stated that the country does not want to engage in the conflict, emphasizing that the war was not initiated by Germany. The dispute highlights tensions between the U.S.#iran #nato #strait_of_hormuz #president_donald_trump #lindsey_graham
Trump slams Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Iran projects defiance Donald Trump expressed frustration over the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader, calling the decision a mistake and warning that the younger Khamenei may not last in power. The U.S. president had previously criticized the choice, arguing that Iran’s leadership should align with Washington’s demands, and now he reiterated his dissatisfaction with the outcome. The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, followed a vote by Iran’s Assembly of Experts. The move was seen as a defiant act against the United States, which had pressured Iran to replace Ali Khamenei with a leader more willing to negotiate. Trump accused Iran of making a “big mistake” and suggested the new leader might face a similar fate as his father, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack in February. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, echoed the president’s concerns, stating that Mojtaba Khamenei was “not the change” the U.S. sought. Graham claimed the new leader would eventually meet the same end as his father, whom he labeled “one of the most evil men on the planet.” Pro-Israel commentator Mark Levin, who had previously called for the assassination of Ali Khamenei, shifted his focus to Mojtaba, urging supporters to “get the boy Khamenei.” The conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran escalated dramatically in February, with a joint attack on Iran killing Ali Khamenei and several top officials. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel and U.S. military targets in the Middle East, disrupting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The war has also drawn Hezbollah into the conflict, sparking a broader regional crisis.#donald_trump #mojtaba_khamenei #ali_khamenei #lindsey_graham #mark_levin
