Conservative Backlash Erupts After Trump's Graham Endorsement: 'I Am Not with Trump at All with This One'

Donald Trump's latest endorsement is stirring up a storm on the right. The former president's decision to throw his "Complete and Total Endorsement" behind Senator Lindsey Graham for re-election has sparked an outcry from conservatives, including some notable figures who are anything but shy about voicing their discontent.

Trump's declaration that Graham "WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN" on Truth Social was met with an avalanche of criticism. Among the dissenters was retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who briefly served as Trump's national security advisor. Flynn minced no words, writing, "Not someone I can get behind. I’ll go to the gates with you but I won’t take one step forward with him." Ouch.

The backlash extended to X (formerly Twitter), where conservative commentator Shawn Farash tweeted, "Sorry... I am not with Trump at all with this one. Not one bit." Another voice in the chorus of disapproval, Chad Prather, kept it simple: "Just say NO to Lindsey Graham." Scott Morefield, a columnist for Townhall, couldn't resist a more colorful critique, suggesting that endorsing Graham in a solidly red state was like choosing an eggplant over any other Republican. Well, that’s certainly one way to put it.

Compounding the controversy, Trump has recently gone after members of the House Freedom Caucus, including Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie and Texas Congressman Chip Roy. Massie, who opposed a government-funding measure, became the target of a Trump tirade, with the former president vowing, "HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him." Massie, for his part, compared Graham to former Rep. Liz Cheney, saying the senator is "objectively the ideological twin of Liz Cheney." Harsh words from both sides.

Graham's campaign manager defended the endorsement, emphasizing that the senator shares Trump's frustrations with figures like Massie. The campaign also hinted at upcoming endorsements from conservative organizations, and pro-life groups are reportedly lining up to back Graham's re-election bid. Meanwhile, Graham himself expressed gratitude for Trump's support, sharing a video on X branding him as "a conservative leader, trusted by Trump, endorsed by Trump."

However, the South Carolina senator's relationship with the MAGA base has been fraught. While he decisively won his 2020 primary, a 2023 Trump rally in his home state saw him greeted with boos—a stark reminder that endorsements don’t always translate to enthusiastic support.

Graham, a Senate veteran of more than two decades, will face re-election in 2026. For now, Trump's endorsement has certainly added fuel to the fire, but whether it helps or hinders Graham's future remains a question only time—and voters—can answer.