Greenville, SC, October 7, 2025
News Summary
At the First Monday business forum in Greenville, Senator Lindsey Graham addressed the ongoing government shutdown, criticizing Democratic senators while discussing his reelection plans. He highlighted the importance of the recently passed reconciliation bill and expressed concerns over federal employees affected by the shutdown. Graham also shared his focus on immigration reforms and hinted at backing Trump for a potential 2028 presidential run as he prepares for his own 2026 reelection campaign.
Greenville, SC – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham spoke at the First Monday business forum in Greenville on October 6, addressing the current government shutdown and his reelection plans while engaging with local business leaders and politicians.
The senator’s address centered around the ongoing government shutdown, during which he criticized Democratic senators for allegedly holding the government hostage in exchange for healthcare concessions. Graham highlighted the recently passed federal reconciliation bill from earlier in the summer as a positive development. However, he noted that the latest government reopening plan, set to last until November 21, was still pending a Senate vote after receiving approval from the House of Representatives.
According to Graham, some Democrats are opposing the reopening plan to secure an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which he and other Republicans criticize due to claims of fraud. He indicated that the impact of the shutdown has led to federal employees working without pay, affecting various agencies and public services, although Social Security benefits continue unaffected.
During the forum, attendees engaged in a question-and-answer session, where Graham also expressed his support for Israel and Ukraine, addressing related conflicts. The senator reiterated that policy outcomes cannot be successfully achieved through government shutdowns, suggesting that Democrats might start recognizing the negative effects of the shutdown on the public as well as their party.
Graham announced his focus on immigration as a key part of his campaign, sharing plans to establish a grant program for sheriffs’ offices entering into 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stressed his ambition for South Carolina to emerge as the most ICE-friendly state in the country.
Additionally, Graham hinted at supporting Donald Trump for a potential third presidential term, referencing “Trump 2028,” although the 22nd Amendment restricts presidents to two terms. Serving in the Senate since January 2003, Graham confirmed that he is running for reelection in 2026 and will face competition in the GOP primary from Greenville businessman Mark Lynch and author of Project 2025, Paul Dans.
With strong backing for his reelection bid, Graham has received an endorsement from President Trump, further solidifying his position. He discussed the successes of Trump’s tax cuts and border security initiatives as part of his legislative achievements.
Graham’s comments during the forum shed light on the ongoing challenges posed by the government shutdown while outlining his political aspirations and strategies as he prepares for the upcoming election cycle.
FAQ
- Where did U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham speak on October 6? Graham spoke at the First Monday business forum in Greenville, SC.
- What was the focus of Graham’s address at the forum? His address focused on the ongoing government shutdown and praised the passage of a federal reconciliation bill earlier in the summer.
- What plan regarding the government reopening was discussed by Graham? The latest government reopening plan, which would last until November 21, was awaiting a Senate vote after being approved by the House of Representatives.
- What immigration plans did Graham announce? He announced plans to create a grant program for sheriffs’ offices signing 287(g) agreements with ICE.
- Who is opposing Graham in the GOP primary for the 2026 election? He will face opponents Mark Lynch, a Greenville businessman, and Paul Dans, author of Project 2025.
- What federal employee situation did Graham mention due to the government shutdown? He stated that federal employees are working without pay, affecting agencies and public services, while Social Security benefits continue.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Location | First Monday business forum, Greenville, SC |
| Date | October 6, 2023 |
| Main Focus | Government shutdown and reelection plans |
| Senate Vote Pending | Government reopening plan until November 21 |
| GOP Primary Opponents | Mark Lynch and Paul Dans |
| Endorsement | Received from President Trump |
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Graham Addresses Government Shutdown
- Post and Courier: Lindsey Graham on Government Shutdown
- Greenville Online: U.S. Sen. Graham on Government Shutdown
- WIS TV: Sen. Lindsey Graham Holds ICE Roundtable
- ABC News 4: Lee Johnson Challenges Sen. Lindsey Graham
- Wikipedia: Lindsey Graham
- Google Search: Lindsey Graham government shutdown
- Google Scholar: Lindsey Graham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lindsey Graham
- Google News: Lindsey Graham
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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