President Donald Trump made headlines by endorsing South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham's reelection bid, as Newsweek reported. 

Though he is likely to face a primary challenge from within the Republican Party, Graham has said he will run for a fifth term in the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections.

Trump's comments came in the form of a post on his Truth Social account on Tuesday, and despite the pair's longstanding public friendliness, the endorsement wasn't met with open arms by all Trump's followers.

A few of the more vocal commentators went so far as labeling Graham a Republican in name only (RINO).

Conflict Between the Pair

Although Graham at one time criticized Trump as a "race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot," he became a staunch backer in December 2015.

However, some believe that it is a demonstration of how far the GOP has evolved under Trump that the president is willing to forgive a former opponent, but some grassroots MAGA supporters don't trust Graham.

Trump endorsed Graham on Truth Social, saying, Senator Lindsey Graham has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election...Everyone in South Carolina should help Lindsey have a BIG WIN next year!"

Graham seemed delighted with the president's decision, saying on X that the endorsement "means the world to me," but some of Trump's grassroots supports were sharply critical.

More Criticism

Kylie Jane Kremer, a known political backer of the president said, "Love Trump & this changes nothing. But he is wrong on this endorsement. The American people are tired of this RINO in South Carolina."

A screenshot of Trump's message was also shared by Mila Joy, a Trump supporter from the state of Washington with over 198,000 X followers, who added, "Trump cannot be serious. Someone, anyone needs to primary Lindsey Graham."

The "Being Libertarian" X account also weighed in, saying "A Trump endorsement of Lindsey Graham in 2025 is a sad reminder that politics is ugly and the swamp still has a lot of power. Sad."

Public Comments

Trump wrote in a Truth Social post endorsing Graham, "Lindsey has been a wonderful friend to me, and has always been there when I needed him. As the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, Lindsey is fighting tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Lower Taxes, and Eliminate Government Waste.

"Lindsey is also relentlessly focused on helping us Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strongly Support our Great Military/Vets, Promote American Energy DOMINANCE, Defend our always under siege Second Amendment, and ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."

In response to X, Graham responded, saying, "President Trump's endorsement means the world to me. I am humbled by his faith in me as a Senator and as a friend. On a professional level, I am proud to have been there at the beginning when President Trump — through sheer force of will —achieved the greatest political comeback in American history.

"I look forward to being one of the driving forces in the U.S. Senate to enact President Trump's agenda to make America more prosperous and more secure. Thank you, Mr. President."