Lindsey Graham Spotted with Disney Bubble Wand During Government Shutdown
Amid a government shutdown, Senator Lindsey Graham was photographed at Disney World, bubble wand in hand, sparking criticism from various quarters. The South Carolina Republican was seen dining at Chef Mickey’s and queuing for Space Mountain, all while the Department of Homeland Security faced funding issues.
On Friday, Graham donned business attire, clutching a pink bubble wand as he strolled through the “Tangled” section of Magic Kingdom, according to reports. By Saturday, he had switched to more casual wear while boarding the iconic rollercoaster.
In defense of his trip, Graham explained to reporters that he had met friends at the park after discussions in South Florida regarding potential normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. “I voted seven times to fully fund the government. Call a Democrat,” he stated, asserting he returned to South Carolina by Sunday.
As of Monday, Graham remained in his home state, with several events scheduled throughout the week. However, images of him enjoying the theme park have drawn ire from constituents frustrated by lawmakers taking a two-week recess while critical funding remains unresolved. The shutdown has resulted in long lines at airports, as airport security is managed by DHS.
Conservative figures such as Matt Walsh and Tucker Carlson voiced their discontent over Graham's Disney visit. Walsh remarked on social media, “While our country is at war... Lindsey Graham is wandering around Disney World with a bubble wand. This is an image that should live in infamy.”
Meanwhile, Carlson's network echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Israel First, Disney World second…”
Paul Dans, a Republican challenger to Graham in South Carolina, added fuel to the fire: “The Government is shut down... while Peter Pan Lady Graham plays at Disney.”
For over a month, federal workers including TSA officers and Coast Guard members have been required to work without pay. Although an executive order from President Trump ensured TSA workers would receive compensation, many others remain unpaid amid record-long security wait times.
Democratic Representative Robert Garcia of California also faced scrutiny for a trip to Las Vegas, where he was photographed in a casino. He later clarified that he was visiting his father who resides there. “Actually I don’t mind what TMZ is doing here,” Garcia commented on social media.
Both parties have exchanged blame for the DHS shutdown, which stems from disagreements over funding and accountability measures for immigration enforcement. Over the weekend, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders was seen departing D.C. for a rally in Minnesota and later speaking in New York.
Additionally, Republican Representative Buddy Carter of Georgia was spotted at an airport in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a spokesperson confirming he traveled to attend his grandson’s baseball game.
