South Carolina Senate Runoff Tests Trump Endorsement as Treasury Targets Iran with New Sanctions

South Carolina voters will decide the Republican nominee in a Senate runoff that pits state Sen. Darline Graham, who received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, against Rep. Ralph Norman, a self-described conservative challenger. The contest is viewed as a barometer of Trump’s sway over GOP primaries after Graham’s recent debate misstep raised questions about her experience.

"Trump quickly threw his weight behind Sen. Darline Graham when she announced her bid," the report noted, adding that some Trump supporters remain skeptical of her candidacy.

The primary in Oklahoma also highlights the former president’s influence, with Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasizing his ties to Trump despite the president backing former state Sen. Mike Mazzei and later labeling Drummond a “fake Republican.”

In a separate development, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of an “economic D-Day” for Iran, announcing sanctions on almost 60 corporations, individuals and vessels that the U.S. says support the Iranian regime’s activities. He said President Trump has been contacting foreign leaders to urge them to halt trade with Iran, and the United Arab Emirates announced it would end all trade relations with Tehran.

Experts noted that the effectiveness of the sanctions will depend on the response of Iran’s major trading partners, including China, India and Russia.

The State Department is also preparing to revoke up to 200,000 business and tourism visas issued between 2016 and 2026, a move that would represent the largest single mass visa revocation in U.S. history. The revocations target holders who have sought asylum and are expected to face legal challenges.

Other news items include a Penn State investigation into a cocaine-trafficking ring involving two fraternities, which campus students reportedly regarded with limited concern, and ongoing power outages in Gary, Indiana, following recent storms.