Trump backs Lindsey Graham's sister to finish Senate term
Trump recommended Darline Graham to the South Carolina governor as an interim senator.

SOURCE CHECK
TAP FOR WHYCredibility rates AOL.com, which republished this story. The other scores rate the article itself.
The article is attributed to a named reporter and includes a direct quotation from Trump, while reporting the expected appointment through sources attributed to CBS News. AOL appears to be republishing or distributing reporting associated with CBS News rather than presenting extensive original reporting here.
- Source type — The article appears to carry reporting associated with an established national news organization.
- Author attribution — A named reporter is credited.
- Transparency — Trump’s recommendation is quoted directly, but the sources behind the expected appointment are anonymous.
The report provides a direct quotation and clear attribution for the expected appointment, along with relevant succession details. Its sourcing is limited, and it offers little perspective beyond Trump’s recommendation and Tim Scott’s supportive comment.
HOW WE SCORE ↗The article clearly attributes the expected appointment and includes a brief supportive comment, but it does not present an opposing perspective or further context about the selection.
- Source diversity — The article includes Trump’s direct statement, an attributed report about the governor’s plans, and a comment from Tim Scott.
- Counterarguments presented — No counterargument or alternative view about the appointment is included.
- Opinion vs reporting — The piece is presented as news reporting rather than opinion.
The report uses straightforward language and attributes the recommendation and appointment plans without adopting an overt partisan position.
- Language tone — The language is largely factual and neutral.
- Source selection — The article includes Trump’s statement and Tim Scott’s supportive comment, with no opposing view.
Republished with credit
Republished from CBS News, with credit to the original publisher.
194 stories · 84–85 · updated Oct 6, 2026
This is CBS News's own score, and this article is credited to CBS News. The host score in the Source Check is AOL.com's.
President Trump recommended Darline Graham to fill the South Carolina Senate seat left by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Sources told CBS News that Gov. Henry McMaster planned to appoint her, while a special election will determine Lindsey Graham’s replacement on the November ballot.
President Trump said he recommended Darline Graham to Gov. Henry McMaster as an interim senator, describing the appointment as a tribute to her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. Sources told CBS News that McMaster would tap her, and the governor was scheduled to announce the appointment at a news conference. The interim senator would serve at least until January, when Lindsey Graham’s term expires.
The article describes Lindsey Graham’s close relationship with his sister and says he adopted her after their parents died. Sen. Tim Scott called her a “wonderful placeholder” on CBS Mornings. A special election to determine Graham’s replacement on the November ballot was scheduled for Aug. 11.
Community verdict
23 VOTESPeople in this story
SWIPE →President who recommended Darline Graham for the interim Senate appointment
Senator recommended for an interim appointment to fill her brother’s seat
Graham's version of this story ↗Late senator whose seat and term are the subject of the expected appointment
South Carolina senator who commented favorably on Darline Graham as a placeholder
Part of a bigger story
16 OUTLETSOutlets agree that President Donald Trump recommended Darline Graham Nordone to fill the South Carolina Senate seat left vacant by her late brother, Lindsey Graham, ahead of an interim appointment by Governor Henry McMaster and a special election. Coverage across the spectrum takes a similar approach, focusing on the temporary succession. Left-leaning outlets highlight South Carolina's appointment rules and the upcoming primary. Center outlets report McMaster's appointment and supportive statements from Republican lawmakers. Right-leaning outlets focus on the tribute to Graham and political implications, with HotAir noting it honors the late senator.
- ARTICLES
- 16
- OUTLETS
- 16
- AVG CRED
- 63
- thefrontierpost.com · Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to serve rest of Republican's Senate term – The Frontier Post
- WXOW · Trump and Thune support Lindsey Graham's sister being appointed to his Senate seat | National Politics
- Yahoo News · Trump backs Lindsey Graham's sister to serve rest of Republican's Senate term
Discussion · 0
Loading comments…



