President Donald Trump applauded a supporter who punched a protester at his Clemson University rally on Wednesday. He compared the man to Evander Holyfield as security removed multiple hecklers from the South Carolina arena. This happened during a campaign stop for Darline Graham.
Donald Trump’s response to confrontation during South Carolina rally
Donald Trump watched the altercation unfold and reacted with enthusiasm rather than concern. “That was great, man. Wow. Man, I loved that. I watched that,” he said. “That was incredible. Wow. That was unbelievable. Is everybody OK?” He then called out for the person responsible. “Who’s the guy that threw that punch?” Trump asked, before likening him to the heavyweight legend seated in the crowd. “You know, you reminded me of Evander, the real deal, Holyfield.”
The president framed the punch as a display of bravery. “You gotta give them credit. It takes courage to do that at a Trump rally,” he said. “He got whacked.” A pool report counted at least nine interruptions by hecklers. The crowd chanted “USA” while guards escorted each protester out.
In one instance, a rallygoer trailed a demonstrator being removed and appeared to slap the person on the head. Moreover, the event was for Darline Graham, sister of the late senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July from a heart condition. She won a special election to his seat and now faces Democrat Annie Andrews for a full six-year term.
Trump has filled his calendar with rallies ahead of the November 3 midterms, and demonstrations have become routine at those stops. He often brushes off the disruptions by calling the participants “paid protesters.” His 32-day campaign blitz has focused on Republican-leaning areas he previously won easily, highlighting the GOP’s difficulty in defending its Senate and House majorities. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday showed his approval at 31%, a record low.
