Darline Graham did not discuss split over Russia sanctions waiver during Trump visit

Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) did not raise her objections to President Donald Trump waiving bipartisan Russia sanctions named after her late brother during a campaign visit from Trump to support her election and a subsequent ride with him to Washington on Air Force One.The interim senator made the revelation to reporters Thursday after Trump stumped for her Wednesday in what has emerged as a surprisingly competitive race for the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.Graham indicated last week that she intended to discuss with Trump the postponement of the new sanctions, a preelection decision designed to ease high fuel prices as part of a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel. Graham said she will still raise the matter “if I get the opportunity.”President Donald Trump greets Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) at a campaign rally Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, South Carolina. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) “There were several other people around, so I have not had a chance to speak with him specifically about that,” she said. “There were other people on the plane, other congressional members, other senators. I didn’t have an opportunity to have a private conversation. That’s a private conversation.”THE GOP SENATE CANDIDATES SKIRTING TRUMP’S DIESEL DEAL WITH PUTINGraham declined to offer specifics about what her message to the president would be.“When I get the opportunity, I’ll figure it out then,” she added.