Images of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham at Disney World have triggered outrage on social media amid the ongoing government shutdown.
One post read: “Lindsey is at Disney World while the world burns.”
Newsweek reached out to Graham by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.
Why It Matters
The image of Graham created poor optics as key government agencies remained closed during the shutdown caused by the failure of politicians to agree on a funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Also, Graham’s support for the Iran war has fueled criticism from both his right and left. This was highlighted after he expressed support for the U.S. seizing Iran’s Kharg Island, during a Fox News Sunday interview earlier this month.
Graham faces challengers in South Carolina’s Republican primary, and criticism may impact his chances in this race. While South Carolina is a Republican stronghold, Graham faces several challengers from within his own party.
What To Know
On Sunday, TMZ published images of the Senator at a restaurant in the Florida resort, as the shutdown reached 44 days and became the longest in U.S. history.
Graham told TMZ: “I was invited to a meeting in South Florida on Friday with Trump official Steve Witkoff to talk about the possibility of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. I went to Orlando to meet friends after. I’m already back in South Carolina.
“I voted 7 times to fully fund the government. Call a Democrat. Fact is, the blame lies with Democrats AND Republicans—they can’t do their job.”
Writing on social media, high-profile figures slammed Graham. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s official press office account wrote on X: “Divas still need vacation.”
One of Graham’s Republican challengers, Mark Lynch, wrote: “Lindsey is at Disney World while the world burns.”
Gun violence prevention activist Shannon Watts wrote: “A 70-year-old U.S. Senator who has no partner or children visiting Disney World during a government shutdown while wearing a blazer on an 80 degree day. Very normal.”
However, some people defended Graham. One X user with over 1,000 followers wrote: “I don’t understand why he should give up family time when he’s ready to help end this mess if the Democrats would stop their tantrum.”
An estimated 50,000 workers have gone unpaid due to the partial government shutdown, leading to absences, labor shortages, and disruptions at key U.S. airports. Nearly 500 Transport Security Administration (TSA) officers have quit since the shutdown began, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The Senate passed a funding bill Friday that would have ended the shutdown but House Republican leaders refused to take up the bill as it withheld money for the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social in March 2025: “Senator Lindsey Graham is working incredibly hard for the Great People of South Carolina, a State I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024!
“Lindsey has been a wonderful friend to me, and has always been there when I needed him. As the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, Lindsey is fighting tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Lower Taxes, and Eliminate Government Waste. Lindsey is also relentlessly focused on helping us Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strongly Support our Great Military/Vets, Promote American Energy DOMINANCE, Defend our always under siege Second Amendment, and ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina wrote on X: “I truly believe 2026 can be the year of ending a 2,000 yearlong conflict. Peace is only possible because of the courage of our men and women in uniform and the leadership of President @realDonaldTrump.”
What Happens Next
Efforts to reopen the government continue. South Carolina’s primary is set for June 9, 2026.
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