Here's how Lindsey Graham influenced taxes, trade, and defense

July 13, 2026 - 01:43

Sen. Lindsey Graham has spent more than 30 years in Congress, and his influence on three major policy areas is hard to overstate. The South Carolina Republican, known for his sharp elbows and bipartisan deal-making, left a distinct mark on corporate tax rates, international trade tariffs, and the nation's defense posture.

On taxes, Graham was a key architect of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He pushed hard to slash the corporate rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, arguing it would boost American competitiveness and bring jobs back from overseas. His efforts helped lock in a permanent tax cut for businesses, a move that remains a cornerstone of Republican economic policy.

In trade, Graham took a more protectionist turn than his party's traditional free-market stance. He supported tariffs on Chinese goods and steel imports, framing them as necessary tools to counter unfair trade practices and protect American manufacturing jobs. This stance often put him at odds with free-trade Republicans but aligned him with working-class voters in his home state.

On defense, Graham was a consistent hawk. He pushed for increased military spending, backing larger budgets for the Pentagon and modernizing the nuclear arsenal. He also advocated for aggressive foreign policy, including sustained support for Ukraine and strong sanctions on Iran and North Korea. His influence helped shape the post-9/11 national security framework, emphasizing a robust military footprint abroad.

After more than three decades, Graham's legacy is one of pragmatic power-brokering, where he leveraged committee chairmanships and personal relationships to steer the country's fiscal and security direction.