Senator Lindsey Graham talks in Hartsville about President Trump's plans
HARTSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham was welcomed by his constituents in Hartsville on Wednesday where he talked about President Trump's plans and a number of topics that he said are going as planned.
'There are a million reasons not to do something but failure is not an option folks,' Graham said. 'I've come here to Hartsville to tell you we are not going to let you down. We're going to deliver.'
Graham supporters, like Danny Nicholson, said the information delivered gave understanding for what's to come by the administration.
'In this world today, there is such a divide,' Nicholson said. 'But if anyone does it well, I think Senator Graham does walk that place and to express and help understand the things that are important to all of us as a people.'
Graham said he feels the war in Ukraine can end by placing tariffs on China, whose purchases of Russian oil help fund the war.
'It's now time to be tough with Putin,' Graham said. 'I want to end this war. I want to end it in a way we won't start new wars. The way you end this war, you get Putin to the table. And the way you get him to the table, I think, is put more pressure on him.'
The senator also said the president's plan for tariffs, in the long run, will help not only the country, but South Carolina.
'Reciprocal tariffs are coming, and that will help America grow its trade footprint,' Graham explained. 'China closes American businesses out. Trump's tired of it. Give the man some time, it's going to take a while to level the playing field.'
'I think by July the 9th, we'll have a new trade agreement with European Union that will open up Europe to American products,' Graham furthered. 'He wants BMW to build the engines in South Carolina, not just put the car together. That's a major leap forward for BMW in South Carolina. What he's doing will work, just be patient.'
Democrats, meanwhile, say tariffs could lead to retaliation from other countries and impact the state's export industry.
* * *
Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read more of his work here.
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