MAGA candidate Paul Dans, who dropped out of the GOP South Carolina senatorial primary on Friday, ending his attempt to unseat incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham, responded defiantly to President Trump’s post about his decision to withdraw.
The President, who has endorsed Graham, criticized Dans’ campaign by writing: “It all started to fall apart for Paul when a very Low IQ individual named Tucker Carlson ENDORSED him — THE KISS OF DEATH!”
[NOTE: Carlson, along with other MAGA/America First influencers, has criticized Trump (and Graham) for initiating the Iran war, portraying the decision as reckless and “America Last.”]
Dans replied to Trump: “Mr. President I am glad the people of South Carolina have finally got someone’s attention in DC. Lord knows we need it. Our roads are ranked the worst in the nation, and our schools aren’t doing much better. I have always supported @POTUS since the moment he walked down the escalator. I often say the only thing I disagree with President Trump on is that he didn’t run in 2012. It is true I dropped out of the race today because it was the last day to leave the race and get my name off the ballot.”
Mr. President I am glad the people of South Carolina have finally got someone’s attention in DC. Lord knows we need it. Our roads are ranked the worst in the nation, and our schools aren’t doing much better. I have always supported @POTUS since the moment he walked down the… pic.twitter.com/rn6ldpl9B9
— Paul Dans for US Senate (@DansForSenate) April 10, 2026
Refuting Trump’s assertion, Dans added: “My good friend @TuckerCarlson’s endorsement, which was an honor to receive, had nothing to do with it. I did it because we cannot Make America Great Again until Lady Graham is taken out of office. @MarkLynchSC has the resources to make that happen. I am proud to endorse @MarkLynchSC and will do everything in my power to get him elected to the U.S. Senate. Mr. President we here in South Carolina love you, but we don’t trust Lady Graham to help you put America first. On June 9th Vote @MarkLynchSC. God Bless America.”
While some fellow MAGA supporters are thanking Dans for his efforts to run against Graham (“You’re a true patriot”), others are criticizing Dans’ endorsement of Lynch. Chris Olmstead, SC Regional Director for Senate Republicans, replied to Dans, “No, thanks, on the weird LUNATIC @MarkLynchSC.”
“VOTE FOR @LindseyGrahamSC ALL THE WAY.” pic.twitter.com/0kgWOaBLb4
— Senate Republicans (@NRSC) April 10, 2026
Olmstead is echoing the words of Trump, who also called Lynch “a LUNATIC,” and noted that Lynch supports Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), an outspoken Republican critic of the President.
Trump added of Lynch, “I don’t have to go into great detail, but needless to say, Mark Lynch would be a DISASTER for the Republican Party.” Trump reiterated his support for Graham, who has been encouraging the President in the U.S. war against Iran.
[NOTE: Trump supporter Steve Bannon, who has called Graham the “slimiest Republican” and has criticized his military push against Iran, invited Lynch on his podcast this week and reminded SC voters that if Graham doesn’t get above 50 percent of the primary votes, it becomes a runoff election with Lynch.]
MARK LYNCH: Lindsay’s at 45%. I’m at 33%, and with an informed ballot, it flips. I’m 34%. Lindsay goes to 23%, he drops down. So it’s going to happen in 2026, and we’re going to give America a wonderful 250th birthday present with a removal of a traitor. Lindsey Graham Is A… pic.twitter.com/xxKAfleDpu
— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) March 28, 2026