Sen. Darline Graham Nordone (R-S.C.) said she met President Donald Trump in the Oval Office days after her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, died at 71. Trump offered "very sincere" condolences, called Lindsey "family," and encouraged her to run while pledging his "complete and total endorsement." Appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to finish Lindsey Graham's term, she announced she will seek the seat in the special election. Graham also told Hannity she pushed Trump to advance additional Russia sanctions her brother had championed and vowed to work hard and remain loyal.
Lindsey Graham’s Sister Recalls Oval Office Meeting With Trump After His Death — He Urged Her To Run
Lindsey Graham’s Sister Reveals Details of Trump Oval Office Conversation After Brother’s Death
Sen. Darline Graham Nordone (R-S.C.) told Fox News host Sean Hannity she met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office days after her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, died at 71. The private visit combined personal condolences with political encouragement, she said.
Graham — who was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to serve the remainder of her brother's Senate term — recounted the meeting on Hannity's Hang Out podcast. "The president was very sincere in his condolences about Lindsey," she said, adding that Trump described her brother as "family."
She said she was surprised when Trump urged her to run in the special election and pledged his "complete and total endorsement." Graham announced on the podcast that she will seek election to retain the seat full-time.
During the Oval Office conversation, Graham also raised policy priorities that mattered to her brother. "I went on to mention that there were some things that I felt like were very important to Lindsey — Russia sanctions — and that I really wanted to push those across the finish line," she told Hannity.
"I can tell you this about me: I will work hard, and I'm loyal," Graham said of her message to the president, calling the meeting an "honor."
Graham said she feels an "inner peace" about running despite the difficulties ahead. With Gov. McMaster's appointment and Trump's public support, she is positioning herself to continue many of Lindsey Graham's priorities in the Senate.
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