Lindsey Graham
- Known for
- US Senator, Republican politician
- Born in
- Central, South Carolina, United States
- Education
- JD, University of South Carolina
Lindsey Graham is a long-serving Republican Senator from South Carolina, known for his background as a military attorney and his sharp pivot toward staunch Donald Trump alliance. Initially seen as a moderate willing to compromise, he has become a leading conservative voice, particularly on foreign policy and national security.
Signature Positions
Graham's positions emphasize a hawkish, interventionist foreign policy and strong support for conservative domestic policies:
- Foreign Policy: A war hawk who strongly advocates for military intervention abroad, particularly in support of Israel and against Iran and Russia.
- Donald Trump: Following initial harsh criticism, he became one of Trump's staunchest allies, defending his actions and influencing policy.
- Immigration: Supports comprehensive reform but has also proposed stricter measures, such as limiting asylum applications to home countries.
- Supreme Court: Has shown flexibility on judicial confirmations, supporting both Republican and Democratic nominees in different contexts, most notably shifting his stance on election-year vacancies.
- Russia/Ukraine: Called for Putin to be removed and expressed strong support for Ukraine, while also recently opposing border policy riders to aid packages.
How Views Have Evolved
Graham’s relationship with Donald Trump marks his most significant political evolution.
He famously labeled Trump a "race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot" in 2015 and refused to support him in the 2016 election, voting for Evan McMullin instead.
Following a 2017 meeting, Graham transformed into a "staunch ally" of Trump, citing a desire to be "relevant" and gain influence on policy matters.
Notable Tensions
Graham's career is marked by several notable shifts and contradictions:
- Judicial Nominations: He reversed his 2016 pledge not to confirm a Supreme Court nominee in an election year when Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in 2020, stating the "rules have changed".
- Abortion Policy: He has swung from advocating for states to decide on abortion post-Roe to introducing federal legislation for a 15-week ban.
- Election Integrity: Graham staunchly defended Trump’s challenges to the 2020 election results, including privately asking the Georgia Secretary of State to disqualify ballots, yet he was the one Republican to explicitly confirm Joe Biden's lawful election on January 6, 2021.