Day 9
Memorial services for Lindsey Graham are set for July 28 and 29.
Sen. Darline Graham said she will run in next month’s special Republican primary for a full six-year term, telling Sean Hannity, “I’ve made a decision. I’m in.” Graham was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster after her brother, Lindsey Graham, died unexpectedly on July 11, and the August 11 primary will help determine who appears on the November ballot. The GOP field also includes Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, while a Dorchester County Republican chairman has asked for a party review of Graham’s eligibility under a new rule.
The angles
Vacancy scramble
BalancedGraham's death leaves a Senate vacancy that scrambles South Carolina’s appointment process, Republican primary, and fight for Senate control. Trump, Gov. McMaster, Darline Graham Nordone, Nancy Mace, Joe Wilson, and other state Republicans are maneuvering over both the temporary seat and the full term.
Senate agenda
BalancedLosing Graham weakens a fragile Republican Senate position and deprives Trump of a useful ally and coalition builder. With McConnell also absent, defense legislation, White House priorities, and routine Senate business become harder for Republicans to move quickly.
Trump transformation
Mostly LeftGraham’s most revealing legacy was his shift from Trump critic and McCain-style Republican to loyal MAGA ally. That turn is treated as adaptation, opportunism, fear, or moral surrender to power that overshadowed much of his Senate record.
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A judge paused Paramount’s Warner Bros. deal amid states’ antitrust challenge.
U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín issued a temporary restraining order barring Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery from closing their roughly $110 billion merger for 14 days. The order gives a coalition of 12 states, led by California, more time to press an antitrust suit seeking to block the deal. The states allege the combination would reduce competition in film, cable and streaming markets, raise consumer prices and consolidate control in Hollywood. A hearing on whether to extend the pause through a preliminary injunction is set for Aug. 3.
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Trump escalates U.S.-Canada trade tensions with steep tariffs on some Canadian goods.
President Donald Trump signed three proclamations imposing an additional 50% tariff on a range of Canadian imports, including wine, hockey sticks, cement and some auto-related goods, with the duties set to take effect Aug. 19. White House officials said the measures were issued under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and respond to Canada’s treatment of U.S. autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move comes as USMCA trade talks continue, and Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would intensify negotiations with Washington.
The angles
Reckless escalation
Mostly LeftTrump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods are a reckless escalation against a close ally. They risk reviving a damaging trade war, disrupting the economy, raising inflation concerns, and worsening U.S.-Canada relations.
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