GOP primary voters in South Carolina will soon decide the political fate of Sen. Lindsey Graham, known for his hawkish stance and alignment with President Trump. While Graham is favored to win the Republican nomination, polls reveal he may face a runoff, a first in his long tenure. Mark Lynch, challenging from the right, accuses Graham of compromising American interests by supporting foreign aid and interventionist policies. Graham must secure over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff scheduled for June 23.

Recent polls show Graham’s varied support among GOP primary voters. An InsiderAdvantage poll indicates Graham at 51.2%, Lynch at 20.9%, with 18.4% undecided. Another poll from the Citadel School shows Graham at 46%, Lynch at 36%, and 18% undecided. In 2020, Graham secured nearly 68% of the primary vote.

During a virtual rally, Trump addressed the ongoing Iran war, expressing support for Graham. Despite the war’s unpopularity, Graham emphasizes the necessity of U.S. intervention to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Lindsey has been fighting with me all the way.

Elsewhere in South Carolina, Trump’s influence will be tested in the governor’s race, with his endorsement of Pamela Evette. In Maine, Graham Platner leads the Democratic Senate primary despite controversy, with Gov. Janet Mills still on the ballot despite suspending her campaign.

Pentagon Religious Designations and Controversies

The Pentagon revised its list of religious denominations for service members, reducing options from 200 to 31. Mormons in Congress raised concerns after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was not initially labeled under “Christian.” The updated list includes major faiths without specific denominational labels.

I find this offensive, not just because that happens to be my faith…

Despite revisions, criticism persisted over the exclusion of past options like atheist and humanist from the list of recognized religious designations.

DOJ Leadership Nomination

Trump nominated acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the permanent DOJ leader. Blanche’s confirmation may face Senate challenges, particularly over controversies like the proposed “anti-weaponization” fund, which had been dropped.

Blanche’s past decisions, including halting an investigation into GOP senators’ companies, might influence his confirmation process.

Immigration Enforcement Measures

U.S. border official Tom Homan announced plans for a significant ICE deployment in New York City. The move responds to recent state laws that restrict federal immigration authority. The legislative package signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul includes measures limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Homan’s comments drew attention amid legal challenges and a failed tax-related case regarding immigration enforcement.

H1-B Visa Fee Blocked

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to introduce a $100,000 fee for H1-B visa applications, arguing only Congress has taxation authority. H1-B visas are critical for employers hiring international workers, and fees are typically employer-paid. This ruling could affect future administrative policies regarding visa fees.

Protests in Albania

Protests erupted in Albania against a proposed coastal development linked to Jared Kushner, citing environmental concerns. Dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” the protests focus on the wildlife endangered by the project affecting a wildlife reserve and a historic island.

Despite government assertions of private land ownership, environmentalists question the privatization process, advocating for conservation and transparency.

Texas Senate Race Endorsement

In an unexpected move, Dan Cogdell, former defense attorney for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, endorsed Paxton’s Democratic opponent, James Talarico, in the U.S. Senate race. Cogdell cited a desire for unity and a shift from division, emphasizing Talarico’s potential to unify Democrats, Independents, and Republicans.