Trump to Headline 1st 2026 Fundraiser for Lindsey Graham at Golf Event/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump will headline his first in-person fundraiser of the 2026 midterm cycle next month to support Sen. Lindsey Graham’s re-election. The event, a high-profile golf tournament in South Carolina, will benefit Trump’s PAC, the RNC, and Graham’s campaign. This marks Trump’s return to midterm campaigning, signaling support for loyal allies and ramping up GOP efforts to retain congressional control.
Trump-Graham Fundraiser Quick Look
- Event Name: Third Annual Trump-Graham Classic
- Date: November 2025 (exact date TBD)
- Format: Golf tournament + fundraiser dinner
- Beneficiaries: Trump leadership PAC, RNC, Lindsey Graham’s 2026 campaign
- Trump’s Return: First in-person midterm campaign event of the 2026 cycle
- Graham’s Status: Not facing major primary or general election threats
- Campaign Finances: $1.7M raised in Q3, $14.5M cash on hand
- Strategic Aim: Solidify Senate GOP control and reward loyal incumbents
- No Endorsements Yet: Trump still silent in TX and GA Senate primaries
- Midterm Focus: Avoiding a repeat of 2018’s Democratic surge
Trump’s First 2026 Campaign Appearance Set for Lindsey Graham Fundraiser
Golf Tournament in November Marks Start of Trump’s Midterm Engagement
Oct. 20, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — President Donald Trump will make his first in-person campaign appearance of the 2026 midterm cycle at a high-profile fundraiser supporting Sen. Lindsey Graham’s re-election bid, POLITICO has learned exclusively.
The marquee event, a golf tournament dubbed the “Trump-Graham Classic,” is scheduled for next month in South Carolina. According to a person familiar with the plans — who requested anonymity to discuss the event ahead of official announcements — the gathering will raise funds for multiple GOP causes:
- Trump’s leadership PAC
- The Republican National Committee
- Lindsey Graham’s 2026 re-election campaign
This marks Trump’s first domestic political outing of the cycle, after keeping a low travel profile for most of 2025.
“President Trump’s support for my reelection has been tremendously helpful, and I am truly honored to have his endorsement,” Sen. Graham said in a statement to POLITICO.
“This is going to be a big, big event. It will not only help me tremendously, but it will help others who support President Trump.”
The White House has not publicly commented on the upcoming fundraiser.
Key Points:
- Event Location: South Carolina, exact venue TBA
- Date: November 2025
- Event Format: Charity golf tournament + donor dinner
- Fundraising Beneficiaries:
- Trump’s PAC
- Republican National Committee (RNC)
- Graham’s campaign
- Political Impact: Marks Trump’s first active entry into the 2026 midterms
Trump and Graham: A Strategic Alliance
While Trump has refrained from engaging in most 2026 primary battles, his partnership with Lindsey Graham is a safe political bet. Graham is not expected to face serious opposition in either the GOP primary or the general election.
The South Carolina senator remains one of Trump’s staunchest allies in the Senate, and the relationship has proved mutually beneficial. In return, Graham has leveraged Trump’s fundraising power to build an impressive campaign war chest.
According to FEC filings:
- Graham raised $1.7 million in Q3 2025
- He now holds $14.5 million in cash on hand — the largest financial reserve among Republican senators facing re-election in 2026
Why Now? Trump’s Strategy for the 2026 Midterms
With control of Congress at stake in 2026, Trump is expected to play a larger role in the months ahead, especially in swing Senate races. But for now, he’s choosing friendly territory to reenter the campaign trail.
This measured start reflects several priorities:
- Avoiding 2018 deja vu: Trump is keen to prevent a midterm backlash like the one that cost Republicans the House during his first term
- Solidifying GOP control: With Democrats looking to reclaim congressional majorities, Trump is backing loyal incumbents early
- Strengthening GOP fundraising: Trump’s presence boosts donor enthusiasm — especially at high-dollar events
Though he has not yet made endorsements in hotly contested Senate races in Texas or Georgia, appearing with Graham sends a strong signal that Trump will actively support allies — and may soon enter more competitive fights.
Event Expectations
The third annual “Trump-Graham Classic” is expected to draw:
- Top Republican donors
- Trump-world loyalists
- Corporate backers of GOP Senate campaigns
Past iterations of the event have generated significant buzz among South Carolina’s political elite. But this year’s tournament, with Trump making his first campaign appearance of the cycle, will elevate it to national attention.
The event is also poised to give Graham another visibility boost, reinforcing his role as Trump’s bridge to the Senate Republican establishment.
Broader Implications
While this may look like a routine fundraiser on the surface, it holds broader 2026 election implications:
- Signals Trump’s re-engagement in midterms: After months of focusing on foreign policy and governing, Trump is entering the political fray ahead of schedule.
- Tests voter enthusiasm for incumbents: Trump’s brand remains a major draw, but aligning with incumbents like Graham may test the mood of the GOP base.
- Reinforces Trump’s control over GOP infrastructure: Fundraising events like this one strengthen Trump’s leverage over the RNC and individual campaign committees.
Final Word
Trump’s decision to kick off his 2026 campaign trail with Lindsey Graham underscores a strategic return to midterm politics. In choosing a loyal ally in a safe state, Trump is signaling confidence and control — while warming up for a far more intense election season ahead.
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