During a discussion on Tuesday nite, interim GOP Senator Darline Graham declined to respond to a topic regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea, stating that national security is "not my thing."

The awkward moment occurred during a discussion with Rep. Ralph Norman, who will be her opponent in the South Carolina special primary runoff for the Senate next week. Following the tragic passing of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, Graham is running for a full term in the position with the backing of President Donald Trump.

Graham was questioned by journalist Greta Van Susteren, a moderator: "Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security challenges for the United States? If so, what is the reason?

Van Susteren was requested to repeat the question by Graham. When she did, Graham said she was "just going to be honest here."

Noting that her father was in the Army and her brother was in the Air Force, she remarked, "I'm not... that informed on national security, so — but I do support the military."

Graham added, "I'm not a polished politician up here," during the South Carolina ETV and Public Radio-hosted discussion. "I do support the military, but national security is not my thing or my area of expertise."

In the past, Graham stated that she would prioritize domestic matters more than her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.

Graham, 62, has never been elected to public office.

Graham has attempted to set herself apart from her late brother throughout her brief tenure in the Senate by implying that, as a working mother, she is more concerned with domestic matters. However, her gaffe during the debate could strengthen the argument made by detractors that she isn't prepared for a full six-year Senate term.

Taiwan is a self-governing, democratic island home to 23 million people. Despite never having controlled Taiwan, China's ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) considers the island to be a part of its territory and has long pledged to "unify" the island with the Chinese mainland, even if it means using force. As a result, US officials must handle the matter diplomatically.

When Van Susteren asked Norman the question, he responded with greater assurance.

He stated, "Taiwan is a definite ally," referring to the trade ties between Taiwan and the US. He praised Trump for "enabling Taiwan to defend themselves against China."

Graham's response was not addressed by Norman during the discussion, but his followers promptly brought it up on social media. One of them was Nikki Haley, a longtime friend of Norman and former governor of South Carolina who challenged Trump in the 2024 primary.

Haley commented on X, "Lindsey Graham was well-informed on the United States' national security. Darline Graham admits she's not." You don't inherit this. Additionally, it is crucial in the US Senate.

On Friday, Trump will hold a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in support of Graham. Next Tuesday is the runoff election.