Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.), sister of late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and President Donald Trump’s hand-picked choice for his seat, is facing heavy criticism after struggling with a key question during Tuesday night’s debate.

“Senator, are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States and, if so, why or how?” moderator Greta Van Susteren asked.

“I’m just gonna be honest here,” Graham replied. “I’m not that informed on national security, so...”

Q: Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States?Sen. Darline Graham: “I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security, so — but I do support the military.”Wow pic.twitter.com/nvdA6BGoIf

Several people in the audience could be heard reacting to the confession.

Graham continued: “But I do support the military. My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years, so I will do everything I can to support the military. My dad was in the Army. I’m not a polished politician up here. National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military.”

Polished or not, a candidate for the U.S. Senate running in the middle of a war admitting that “national security is not my thing” left critics on social media stunned:

“National security is not my thing” - Republican running for United States senate 😬 https://t.co/p0BMmQwH3y

American politics, 2026. 😳 https://t.co/cI8XjRRQym

This is who establishment Republicans from Trump world pushed to run for a full term.... yikes! https://t.co/391ZmbiPMj

This lady has zero business being politics. Idiocracy right here live in South Carolina 😆 https://t.co/Ji12F8bTn1

Honestly. This may be one of the worst debate answers I’ve ever heard. https://t.co/idA98d3V4b pic.twitter.com/JmhO7iYMGo

Lmao incredible answer smh https://t.co/YoukxQ0QyT

"Not my thing."JFC. https://t.co/os5D8qF8y5

This is somehow a much better answer than anything Lindsey Graham would have said. https://t.co/YXGlTWH5p3

Lawd https://t.co/phfCIGdkh3

She is out of her depth https://t.co/Dkq9Fy7MQx

Holy shit. We are actually living in Idiocracy.  You’re not versed in national security?  Jesus, when I was in 11th grade I had enough knowledge to answer that question. https://t.co/vT2EaOtMGx

Evidently, knowing stuff, makes you a greasy, polished politician, per Darline Graham.Maga is gonna love this idiot. https://t.co/kU2JCAxZOu

TBH I prefer this answer to the one Lindsey would have given. https://t.co/rcRthVdq6a

1. Why are you running for the United States Senate if you’re not up to speed on basic national security issues? 2. How are you Lindsey Graham’s sister if you’re not into national security issues?? https://t.co/W8qLw8orAm

Not sure how to feel about this...On one hand, I'm horrified she's running for Senate and unfamiliar with NatSec issues... especially basic ones like this.On the other hand, I'm just glad she admitted the truth! Low bar these days 🫠 https://t.co/h0jstB73Uh

The same people crying about DEI want you to believe this clown is 100% qualified for the job lmaooooo https://t.co/RTlUCaoJ43

Yeah if this is your answer, you are not qualified to be a US Senator.This is why party approved nepotism has no place in US politics. https://t.co/5ZgEIOP1Pp

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