Lindsey Graham, the Republican Senator from South Carolina, has ignited a storm of criticism following his recent remarks on the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. During an appearance on Fox News’s Hannity, Graham provocatively stated his intention to request South Carolina citizens to send their sons and daughters to the Middle East. This statement has sparked controversy, as President Trump’s recent military actions in Iran are largely unpopular across the political spectrum. The conflict has already claimed the lives of eight American service members and injured at least 140 troops.

According to Iranian reports, over 1,300 civilians have perished since the commencement of military strikes. Nancy Mace, a Congresswoman from South Carolina and gubernatorial candidate, expressed her opposition to sending local youth to war with Iran in a social media post, though she did not mention Graham by name. Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, now a prominent independent journalist, criticized Graham sharply on her podcast, arguing he should be barred from television, calling him a “homicidal maniac” driven by an insatiable bloodlust. Kelly’s pointed question, “Who voted for that?!” reflected her incredulity.

In another segment, Kelly further lambasted Graham, asserting that he has no authority to act as Commander-in-Chief and urging him to “get off the national scene.” Meanwhile, Paul Dans, who is challenging Graham in the upcoming Senate primary on June 9th, also took to social media to criticize Graham, suggesting he is compromised and asserting that South Carolina should oust him. Graham has been a close advisor to President Trump on Iran strategy, and just days before the military actions, he was spotted at the White House.

In an X post reacting to the Iran strikes as they were announced on February 28th, Graham noted that the operation was ‘well planned’. He also noted at the time that he was ‘in awe of President Trump’s determination to be a man of peace, but at the end of the day, evil’s worst nightmare.’ The MAGA-supporting senator, who was once a Trump foe in the 2016 GOP primary field, also raised eyebrows over the weekend during an appearance on Fox host Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday show. During the segment, he brandished a cap that hinted at his aspirations for the Trump administration. Emblazoned on it was the slogan, ‘Free Cuba.’

‘I’m in Miami. You see this hat? “Free Cuba.”‘ Stay tuned,’ Graham told the host in an exchange that was quickly clipped and shared. ‘The liberation of Cuba is upon us. It’s just a matter of time now,’ he added. ‘We’re marching through the world. We’re clearing out the bad guys. Cuba is next.’ Graham further fumed to Bartiromo: ‘If we get in a fight, I want to win it, I want to win it quick.’