Trump Calls Annie Andrews 'Trannie' Three Times as South Carolina Senate Race Turns Into MAGA Test

President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Democratic Senate candidate Dr Annie Andrews with an anti-transgender slur as he seeks to shore up support for Trump-backed Republican candidate in an unexpectedly competitive South Carolina race.

In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump referred to Andrews three times using the word 'trannie,' including branding her 'Annie "Trannie" Andrews.' The term is a transphobic slur, and Trump's post used it to attack Andrews over her positions on transgender issues. The attack came as Republican Sen. Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, faces a tighter-than-expected battle to retain the seat.

Trump Targets Annie Andrews With Transphobic Slur

'Annie "Trannie" Andrews is running against our wonderful Darline Graham for the Senate in South Carolina,' Trump wrote.

Trump went on to claim Andrews was 'not for South Carolina' while accusing her of supporting policies on transgender issues, immigration, policing, taxes and gun rights that he opposes. The president also repeatedly praised Graham, describing her as a 'High Quality person.'

When asked by NBC News why Trump used the slur, the White House referred the outlet to Trump's social media post. Graham's campaign did not immediately respond to NBC's request for comment.

Annie Andrews Sidesteps Trump's Personal Attack

Andrews, a paediatrician and mother of three, largely avoided addressing Trump's language directly.

'I'm in this race to fight for my patients, my three kids, and South Carolina,' Andrews said in a statement.

She added that she would 'work with anyone to put South Carolina first,' arguing that lowering costs and improving life for families would require people to work together.

'If you care more about your bills than the politics in Washington, this campaign is for you,' she said.

South Carolina Senate Race Becomes MAGA Test

Trump has invested significant political capital in Graham, who was appointed to fill the Senate seat following her brother Lindsey Graham's death in July.

Trump has invested significant political capital in Graham, whom Gov. Henry McMaster appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat in July.

The president endorsed her campaign and encouraged her to seek a full term. Graham later defeated Republican Rep. Ralph Norman in the GOP primary runoff, crediting Trump's backing as an important part of her victory.

Trump's MAGA Inc. super PAC spent about $827,000 (£625,400) supporting Graham during the Republican runoff, according to campaign finance filings.

That close relationship has made the November contest a test of Trump's ability to translate his endorsement and MAGA political operation into votes.

Republicans Face Warning Signs in Once-Safe Race

South Carolina has not elected a Democratic US senator since 1998, but Andrews has made the contest more competitive than Republicans initially expected.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted the race from 'Solid Republican' to 'Likely Republican' last month. Recent polling has also suggested a close contest, with one Trafalgar Group survey putting Graham at 43.4 per cent and Andrews at 42.3 per cent.

The candidates are scheduled to debate on 11 October ahead of the 3 November election.

Transgender Policy Becomes Campaign Flashpoint

Republicans have repeatedly attacked Andrews over transgender healthcare during the campaign.

Andrews has sought to distance herself from some Democratic positions on transgender issues, including opposing transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Republicans have nevertheless sought to make her record on transgender healthcare a central campaign issue.

Trump's latest intervention puts that issue directly into the spotlight as Graham attempts to defend a Senate seat Republicans have held for decades.