Trump uses anti-transgender slur for South Carolina Senate candidate Annie Andrews

President Donald Trump referred to Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Annie Andrews with a derogatory anti-transgender slur in a social-media post on Oct. 5, while reaffirming his support for Republican nominee Darline Graham in the South Carolina runoff. Trump wrote that Andrews is "in favor of Transgender for Everyone, Open Borders, Defunding the Police, High Taxes, a Weak Military, and will absolutely fight to take your guns away," adding that she is "not for South Carolina" and urging voters to reject her.

Andrews’ campaign issued a brief response, stating that voters who care more about policy than politics should support their campaign. Former South Carolina governor David Beasley condemned Trump’s remarks as "abhorrent" and called for an election focused on candidate merits rather than division.

Graham’s campaign did not comment on the post. The controversy comes as Graham’s fundraising has weakened and the Senate race has become competitive, with recent polls showing a virtual tie between the two candidates. Republicans statewide have seen declining support in recent weeks, and the race is now within six points in a state Trump carried by a large margin in 2022.

Trump has previously traveled to South Carolina to back Graham and is expected to return for another campaign visit. Graham entered the runoff with limited cash reserves and relies heavily on outside spending, while a supportive political action committee continues to fund anti-Andrews advertising.