local
Graham and Trump’s unlikely alliance: From opponents to key allies — and golf buddies
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 13, 2026
· 8 min read
By Sarah Ferris, Adam Cancryn, CNN
(CNN) — In December 2015, when Donald Trump was still a long-shot candidate in the GOP’s sprawling primary field, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham offered a brazen assessment of the political outsider.
“You know how you make America great again? Tell Donald Tr...
Key takeaway Tell Donald Trump to go to hell,” Graham, who was also among the dozen Republicans running for the 2016 presidential nomination, declared on CNN.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The unlikely alliance between Graham and Trump may seem like a distant Washington phenomenon, but its impact can be felt in El Paso . As a key border city, El Paso's economy and security are closely tied to federal immigration and foreign policy decisions. Graham's efforts to fix the US immigration system, although often at odds with his party, could have had significant implications for El Paso's border communities. The city's residents, who have long navigated the complexities of cross-border trade and cultural exchange, may have been affected by Graham's influence on Trump's immigration agenda. Furthermore, Graham's involvement in the modernization of the Pentagon could have had ripple effects on El Paso's military installations and the local defense industry, a significant sector in the city's economy. As the city moves forward, it will be worth watching how Graham's legacy shapes the policy debates that affect El Paso's unique position on the US-Mexico border.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 8 min
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What is this story about? By Sarah Ferris, Adam Cancryn, CNN
(CNN) — In December 2015, when Donald Trump was still a long-shot candidate in the GOP’s sprawling primary field, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham offered a brazen assessment of the political outsider.
“You know how you make America great again? Tell Donald Tr...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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