President Donald Trump on Monday used an anti-transgender slur to attack South Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews as he tries to push his hand-picked Republican candidate, Sen. Darline Graham, across the finish line in the midterm elections.
“Annie ‘Trannie’ Andrews is running against our wonderful Darline Graham for South Carolina Senate,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social article. He used a version of the slur three times in the post.
Andrews did not reference Trump’s comments in a statement responding to his post, instead saying, “I’m in this race to fight for my patients, my three children, and South Carolina.” »
“And I will work with anyone to put South Carolina first, because to lower costs and improve the lives of families in our state, we are all going to work together. If you care more about your bills than politics in Washington, this campaign is for you,” she said.
The president took particular interest in this Senate race, pushing for Graham’s nomination after the sudden death of his brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham — whom the president considered a close friend. Her MAGA Inc. PAC then spent more than $800,000 to push Darline Graham to victory in the GOP primary runoff, and Trump personally campaigned for her.
Now, a state that seemed like a relatively safe victory for the Republican Party has become a new test of Trump’s influence. Two weeks ago, the Cook Political Report indicated that the race was likely Republican, rather than solidly Republican. And Trump allies told CNN they were concerned about Graham’s poll numbers.
The President generously congratulated Darline Graham in this message.
“For years, my dear friend Lindsey said, ‘Darline is the finest, most reliable, and one of the smartest people I have ever known.’ He then always added: “And also, the most faithful!” Often I was angry at Lindsey for saying that, because I thought I had all of those qualities,” Trump wrote.
State Republicans have frequently criticized Andrews for her positions on transgender issues, including her past support for providing hormone treatment to children. Andrews said she does not support gender identity surgery for minors.
This story has been updated with additional information.
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