Trump uses transphobic slur while urging South Carolinians to back Sen. Darline Graham
Donald Trump posted a transphobic insult on Truth Social while pleading for South Carolina voters to support Sen. Darline Graham, whose Senate race has tightened to a one-point lead over Democrat Annie Andrews.
Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Monday, opening his post with a transphobic slur aimed at Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews, and implored South Carolina voters to back his endorsed candidate, Sen. Darline Graham. The appeal comes as a Trafalgar Group poll shows Graham at 43.4% versus Andrews' 42.3%, a narrow one-point margin in a contest previously considered a safe Republican seat after Lindsey Graham's death.
An InsiderAdvantage poll similarly placed Andrews within the margin of error. Republicans admit Graham requires a financial boost, and a White House source indicated Trump will return to the state following his August rally in Myrtle Beach. Andrews, a pediatrician and mother, has clarified she is not transgender and has shifted some stances, such as opposing biological men in women's sports.
Her campaign emphasized a focus on lowering costs and improving families' lives. The White House has not commented on Trump's remarks.
Why it matters
The race could determine whether a Trump-backed candidate retains a Senate seat in a traditionally red state.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage condemns Trump’s use of a transphobic slur and labels it abhorrent, while right-leaning coverage presents the remark as a political attack, emphasizing policy accusations and the campaign context.
LEFT
Trump’s comment is portrayed as a hateful, transphobic slur that merits criticism.
RIGHT
Trump’s remark is framed as a strategic political attack that links the opponent to progressive policies.
The left emphasises
- uses a transphobic slur against Annie Andrews
- calls the remark ‘abhorrent’ and ‘anti-trans’
- notes poll margins showing a tight race
The right emphasises
- calls Andrews ‘Trannie’ and ties her to progressive policies
- highlights the endorsement of Republican Darline Graham
- mentions Graham’s modest advantage in polls
How this story developed
- Sep 24 Collins holds narrow lead over Jackson in latest Maine Senate poll
- Oct 6 The first debate between Collins and Jackson is scheduled for Oct. 6.
In this story
Related stories
16 in this thread