Trump TRUTH ™️: I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly! President DONALD J. TRUMP
pic.twitter.com/SxvaVnOtxW— Taxman™️ (@TaxmanTm) July 13, 2026
McMaster started his speech by remarking on how Graham often described himself: "A poor boy from a small town in South Carolina."
Read More: Lindsey Graham's Senate Replacement to Be Named Within Hours – and Trump Has a Surprise Pick
Ben Domenech, S. Carolina and D.C. Scion, Honors Lindsay Graham: 'Not Going to See His Like Again'
McMaster continued:
"As a poor boy from a small town, rural town in South Carolina he accomplished through grit, determination, and character for his state, for his country, and for his world. Lindsey Graham recognized the greatness of America and her obligations to a dangerous world. Lindsey Graham recognized the seriousness of his work, but also the value of humor and a lighthearted spirit. Lindsey Graham understood the hopes, dreams, and needs of his state, and delivered for his state every time. Presidents, paupers, famous or forgotten, he treated us all the same.
"We have seen him attack evil and injustice, and embrace friendship and the common good with equal fervor and strength. Yes, we are going to miss Lindsey, but we will always remember his quickness, his laugh, and what he has done for us and the world. As he described himself: this poor boy from a little town in South Carolina.
"Today, under the law, it is my duty and honor to name someone to serve in the place of this irresistible man, this irreplaceable man, this extraordinary man for the remainder of his term. Lindsey took care of his sister in years long departed. It's my honor to ask his little sister, Darline Graham, to finish his work for him now.
"And by the way, Darline, I don't know if I told you, but after we spoke on the phone in the wee hours of Sunday morning, and you agreed to serve through tears, earlier I had wondered what you would say, and I was humbled by your quickness to see the duty that you had to serve. And I called the president afterwards, and he thought it was a great idea. And I'm sure that everyone here does as well.
"Darline, little sister, come forward please."
Darline stepped to the podium and began her remarks:
"Thank you, Governor, and just bear with me as I try to get through this."
It appears the storied Lindsey Graham humor runs in the family, as Ms. Nordone immediately interjected:
"But first, I just want to say, one thing I've never heard Lindsey described as is 'irresistible' [laughter], so, okay, we'll just start with that."
Ms. Nordone quickly dove into the meat of her remarks, saying:
"First, I just want to thank everyone who has called and reached out over the past couple of days. I can't tell you how much it meant to me and my family.
"I know Lindsey was loved and respected by many, and I greatly appreciate the memories and even the funny stories that have been shared. These shared experiences along with our faith have gotten us through these past two very difficult days.
"Next, I want to thank the Governor for selecting me to serve the remainder of Lindsey's term. It is such an honor. Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him.
"My brother was the most amazing person, outstanding leader, and just a genuinely good man. He was kind and considerate and loved by his family dearly. As I think everyone would agree, Lindsey worked harder than anyone. He worked nonstop to make our state, country, and world better. He loved his family and loved serving this state and our country. He dedicated his life to our country.
"It is such a privilege to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard over the next several months to support the President and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States. I know Lindsey thought the world of his staff and colleagues, and with their support, I feel confident. I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way."
Ms. Nordone's conclusion made all in the audience wipe away a tear.
"Now to Lindsey: I miss you more than I can even put into words. But I'm gonna do this. I got it.
"Thank you."
The now senior senator of South Carolina, Tim Scott (R), posted these warm words on X:
The appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to the U.S. Senate is an incredible way to honor the legacy of Lindsey Graham.
Nobody understands Lindsey Graham’s heart for faith, family, and South Carolina the way she does.
I look forward to working alongside her to continue… https://t.co/13qh5im4Ky— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) July 13, 2026
The appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to the U.S. Senate is an incredible way to honor the legacy of Lindsey Graham.
Nobody understands Lindsey Graham’s heart for faith, family, and South Carolina the way she does.
I look forward to working alongside her to continue Senator Graham’s commitment to keeping Americans safe and secure.
The Republican National Committee also offered this statement on Ms. Nordone's appointment.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters released the following statement on the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone.
“America lost an incredible patriot and fighter in Lindsey Graham, but his legacy of service and his love of South Carolina and our country will live on through his sister, Darline Graham Nordone," said Chairman Gruters. "President Trump was right to recommend her, and Governor McMaster was right to appoint her. Darline will be a remarkable champion for South Carolina, honoring her brother’s more than three decades of service as she carries on his fight in the U.S. Senate.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a native of South Carolina, also shared his thoughts on Nordone's appointment:
As a South Carolina native, I can think of no more fitting tribute to Lindsey Graham's legacy of service to our state and our nation than seeing his beloved sister carry it forward.
Darline has always been at her brother’s side and I know she will be an outstanding interim…— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) July 13, 2026
As a South Carolina native, I can think of no more fitting tribute to Lindsey Graham's legacy of service to our state and our nation than seeing his beloved sister carry it forward.
Darline has always been at her brother’s side and I know she will be an outstanding interim Senator. The U.S. Treasury will do everything possible to support her and her staff as they work on the President’s agenda and continue to provide strong constituent services for the great people of South Carolina.
This video from one of Lindsey Graham's Senate campaign ads speaks to the depth of their relationship and the late Sen. Graham's commitment to his family:
WATCH:
For those just hearing about Darline Graham for the first time, these are must-watch videos written and produced by @howellgrp. pic.twitter.com/2dKiYLcjDG— Caleb Smith (@CalebJSmith) July 13, 2026
In this 2015 interview with CSPAN, Lindsey Graham speaks about his relationship with his sister and sings her praises as someone who would be a "great representative of our country."
From 2015 interview with C-SPAN, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on his sister Darline Graham Nordone: "If she took a role on she would be a great representative of our country. I can't think of a better person to represent our country in an event than my sister." pic.twitter.com/SjkwIV2TAH— CSPAN (@cspan) July 13, 2026
Update:
BREAKING: A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-SD) office tells @FoxNews that Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nodone, will be sworn in as a senator tomorrow at 2:30pm.— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 13, 2026
