Trump Targets South Carolina Senate Candidate With Slur
WHO:
NBC News - Dr. Annie Andrews, a physician and Democratic Senate candidate in South Carolina.
CNN - Sen. Darline Graham, the GOP candidate endorsed by Trump.
CNN - Lindsey Graham, the late brother of Darline Graham, who was a U.S. Senator.
WHAT:
CNN - Trump stated in his post, “For years my dear friend Lindsey would say that, ‘Darline is the finest, most reliable, and one of the smartest people I have ever known.’ He would then always add, ‘Also, the most loyal!’”
CNN - Andrews stated, “As a mom and a pediatrician, I’m in this race to fight for my patients, my three kids, and South Carolina. And I’m going to work with anyone to put South Carolina first, because lowering costs and making life better for families across our state is going to take all of us working together. If you care more about your bills than the politics in Washington, this campaign is for you.”
CNN - Trump used an anti-transgender slur against Dr. Annie Andrews in a Truth Social post.
CNN - Trump referred to Andrews as “Annie ‘Trannie’ Andrews” three times in his post.
CNN - Trump's PAC, MAGA Inc., spent over $800,000 to support Darline Graham in the GOP primary runoff.
CNN - The Cook Political Report listed the Senate race as likely Republican, indicating a shift from solidly Republican.
WHERE:
NBC News - South Carolina, the location of the Senate race.
WHEN:
CNN - The Senate race is part of the midterm election cycle.
WHY:
CNN - Trump has taken a particular interest in the Senate race following the sudden death of Lindsey Graham, whom he considered a close friend.
CNN - Trump is attempting to support Darline Graham's campaign following the sudden death of her brother, Lindsey Graham.
CNN - Republicans have criticized Andrews for her positions on transgender issues, including her past support for hormone treatment for children.
HOW:
CNN - Trump personally campaigned for Darline Graham.
CNN - Trump campaigned personally for Darline Graham and praised her in his post, citing Lindsey Graham's endorsement of her qualities.
(UPDATED October 6, 2026 13:13 UTC)
Trump expressed his admiration for his late friend Lindsey Graham, highlighting that Graham often referred to Darline as “the finest, most reliable, and one of the smartest people I have ever known,” while also noting her loyalty. In her campaign, Darline, a pediatrician and mother, emphasized her commitment to improving life for families in South Carolina and her willingness to collaborate with others to achieve that goal. Following Graham's sudden passing, Trump has actively campaigned for Darline, showing his support for her candidacy in the Senate race.
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(UPDATED October 6, 2026 02:12 UTC)
In a recent Truth Social post, Trump used an anti-transgender slur against Dr. Annie Andrews, referring to her as “Annie ‘Trannie’ Andrews” three times, while also backing Darline Graham, the GOP candidate he endorsed. Trump's PAC, MAGA Inc., has invested over $800,000 to support Graham in the South Carolina Senate race, which is now considered likely Republican according to The Cook Political Report. This race is part of the midterm election cycle, and Trump is rallying support for Graham following the unexpected death of her brother, Lindsey Graham, a former U.S. Senator.