Trump praises Darline Graham after runoff projection, addresses Iran threat and secret plane switch

US President Donald Trump commended Sen. Darline Graham Nordone on Tuesday night after she secured a spot in the runoff for the Republican nomination to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who held the Senate seat. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews after returning from Ohio, Trump expressed his admiration for Graham, calling her "a very good woman" and praising her lineage due to her familial connection to Lindsey Graham, who he praised as a "real professional."

Trump also endorsed Graham, stating that he believes she is "great" despite liking other Republican candidates in the race as well, which he considered to be "all Trumpers."

Regarding a recent threat against him, Trump stated that he had complied with the directives of the Secret Service and military to switch to a different military aircraft during his departure from Turkey. He downplayed his knowledge of the specific threat, stating, "I guess there was a threat out there. I didn't really ask that much about it." Trump also mentioned that the plane he ultimately traveled on might have faced greater danger, suggesting that it was the "plane... that they would be more likely to go for."

When asked if he was surprised by the threat, Trump responded that Iran had a history of deception, stating, "I don't trust Iran. Why are you saying I trust Iran? I'm the last person to trust Iran. They've lied to me constantly." He emphasized that he was not worried about the threat and that his attitude towards it was one of indifference.

Trump also maintained that the US holds "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran no longer holds the strategic waterway in its grasp. He warned that any future Iranian action could result in "overwhelming force" being unleashed.