President Donald Trump visited Myrtle Beach on Friday, August 21, 2026, to rally support for U.S. Senator Darline Graham at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The event took place just days before the Republican primary runoff, where Graham is campaigning against U.S. Representative Ralph Norman.
During his speech, President Trump addressed Graham’s recent remarks on national security, stating that her admission of not being fully informed was simply her being honest. Graham joined Trump on stage, expressing gratitude for his endorsement and eulogy for her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11.
A significant portion of President Trump’s address focused on economic topics, including U.S. manufacturing and tariffs, noting recent growth in South Carolina’s automotive industry. He also pledged to fund the expansion of I-73 from Myrtle Beach, a project that both the Horry County Council and the South Carolina House of Representatives have passed resolutions to name after him if funded. Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster had previously indicated in April that the project was not on their radar, but expressed willingness to collaborate with the state.
The rally drew a large crowd, with nearly every seat filled in the convention center’s exhibit hall and three risers behind the stage. Supporters began arriving hours before the doors opened at 3 p.m., with some traveling long distances, including Mike Boatman who drove 11 hours from Evansville, Indiana. Horry County Fire Rescue and other first responders were on site, setting up tents and treating individuals affected by the heat advisory and temperatures in the 90s.
Senator Graham reiterated her campaign themes, including opposition to illegal immigration, her stance as a volleyball mom against transgender athletes in women’s sports, and her conservative views on abortion. She highlighted her experience leading the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and embraced the label of being a non-politician, drawing parallels to President Trump’s own entry into elected office.
U.S. Senator Tim Scott, who initially withheld his endorsement in the open primary, spoke in support of Graham, stating he waited to observe her performance as a senator. He affirmed that Graham supports President Trump on major issues. U.S. Representative Russell Fry, a strong advocate for the I-73 project, also spoke, with the crowd chanting Build the road.
Jimmy Gray, president of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the disruption caused by the presidential visit but welcomed the attention on the city, noting the opportunity to showcase Myrtle Beach’s beaches and be on the president’s radar.
