Trump rally exposes surprising cracks in MAGA base as Republicans face midterm test

Donald Trump's Wednesday rally at Clemson University in South Carolina exposed some unease among past backers as November's midterms approach. The president came to boost Sen. Darline Graham, who is unexpectedly being pressed by Democrat Annie Andrews in a state that has reliably leaned Republican, according to Fox News.

Attendees voiced complaints about prices, immigration enforcement and the war with Iran. Some urged fellow Republicans to put irritation aside and vote. Grant Frady, a Clemson student who once eagerly wore Trump gear, said he is weighing a Democratic vote. He skipped Trump in 2024, he said, believing special interests have too much sway, and argues the president has not delivered on avoiding war, strengthening the economy and putting America first. He also considers deportations too few and the ICE turmoil not worth it. Another Clemson student, James, backed Trump before but wants firmer foreign policy and stronger action on illegal immigration.

Money worries loom over the contest: a Fox News survey found six in 10 voters rank the cost of living first among economic concerns, with government spending next at 15 percent.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →