Trump defends Darline Graham's Taiwan response: 'She was being honest'

President Trump on Friday defended Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) after she was tripped up at a debate this week when asked about national security, arguing the moment showed her honesty.

"She's very smart. She's into the price of groceries. She is going to do what the military wants, and really what the president wants," Trump said Friday before leaving for South Carolina.

"She understands that national security is my thing. I thought it was a very honest answer," he added.

When asked about whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the U.S., the freshman senator responded, "I'm just going to be honest here. I'm not that informed on national security."

Graham told Fox News on Wednesday she "tripped up" on the question.

"I have said many times I'm not a politician, certainly not a career politician. I don't speak politician," she said.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who has backed Norman in the runoff, wrote Tuesday on X, "Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States' national security. Darline Graham admits she's not. This is not something you inherit. And it's critical in the U.S. Senate."

Norman also received an endorsement from former South Carolina Gov. Zach Sanford (R) Friday -- despite him usually refraining from backing political candidates. Sanford finished fourth in the GOP primary in June.

Related coverage on The Hill: "Sanford backs Norman over Graham in South Carolina Senate runoff: 'Stakes are simply too high.'"