Darline Graham Faces Criticism Over National Security Knowledge

Senator Darline Graham, appointed to fill the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s seat, admitted her lack of knowledge on national security during a South Carolina GOP Senate debate. This admission came as she campaigns for a full six-year term. Graham acknowledged that national security is “not my thing” and is not her area of expertise.

Her comments were made just days before the South Carolina GOP Senate runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. When asked if Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security concerns for the United States, she expressed her support for the military but admitted to not being informed on national security matters.

Graham, backed by former President Donald Trump, was endorsed for a full term after being appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. Trump encouraged her to continue her Senate career.

The moderator’s question, “Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States, and if so, why or how?” led to Graham’s candid admission. Her brother’s service in the Air Force for 33 years frames her support for the military, though she admits her unfamiliarity with national security topics.

Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor, criticized Graham on social media. “Lindsey Graham was well-informed on the United States’ national security. Darline Graham admits she’s not. This is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate,” Haley remarked.

South Carolina talk-show host Tara Servatius also commented on Graham’s inability to answer a question about China and Taiwan, highlighting that even a “stunned 16-year-old” could answer it easily.

Despite the debate missteps, Graham later explained that South Carolinians are more focused on personal financial issues than the South China Sea. This aligns with her past statements, where she noted the difference between her focus and her late brother’s emphasis on foreign policy and national security.

During a previous interview, Graham suggested that voters prioritize everyday concerns like groceries and healthcare. She encouraged her brother to address these issues more during his Senate tenure.

In the debate, Graham also misstated South Carolina’s population, claiming it was 50 million, when it is around 5 million. This earned her criticism from Rep. Nancy Mace, who pointed out the population discrepancy on social media.

Reporter Alec Schemmel, originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, currently covers politics for Fox News Digital from the Washington D.C.-Baltimore Metro Area.