Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has defended his recent trip to Walt Disney World amid a partial government shutdown, sharing new photos of himself holding a shotgun after images of him with a bubble wand circulated online.
Core Facts
Graham posted a photo of himself shooting clays in Edgefield County, South Carolina, on Monday, following backlash over TMZ photos showing him at Disney World. The senator told Newsweek he attended a business meeting in South Florida on Friday with Trump official Steve Witkoff and others to discuss potential normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. He then traveled to Orlando to meet friends before returning to South Carolina on Sunday.
Deeper Dive & Context
Trip Details
Photos obtained by TMZ show Graham exploring Magic Kingdom, riding Space Mountain, and dining at Chef Mickey’s. An eyewitness told TMZ that Graham was holding the bubble wand for a child who was using the restroom.
Political Response
Graham has faced criticism for taking a personal trip during the government shutdown. He defended his actions by stating he voted seven times to fully fund the government and urged critics to "call a Democrat."
Military Stance
Graham has been vocal about military intervention in Iran, including calling for the seizure of Kharg Island. He compared the potential operation to the capture of Iwo Jima during World War II, arguing it would weaken Iran’s regime.
Public Reaction
The photos of Graham at Disney World have drawn mixed reactions, with some criticizing the timing of his trip amid the shutdown and others noting his defense of the visit as part of a business-related schedule.