Lindsey Graham Defends Disney World Trip Amid Government Shutdown, Iran War

The South Carolina senator was spotted at the theme park multiple times during the partial government closure.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham defended his trip to Disney World after being photographed at the resort multiple times during the partial government shutdown. Graham said he was in Florida to meet with a presidential adviser, but was also spotted waiting in line for rides at the Magic Kingdom and wandering through the 'Tangled' area while holding a bubble wand.

Why it matters

Graham's Disney World trip drew criticism from the public and some fellow Republicans, as thousands of federal workers remained unpaid during the shutdown. As a vocal supporter of the war in Iran, Graham's leisure activities also raised questions about his priorities amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The details

TMZ published photos of Graham at Disney World on three separate occasions - breakfasting at Chef Mickey's, waiting in line for Space Mountain, and wandering through the 'Tangled' area holding a bubble wand. Graham said he was in Florida to meet with a presidential adviser, but also acknowledged visiting the theme park to catch up with friends.

  • On Sunday, Graham was spotted at Chef Mickey's in Disney World.
  • On Saturday night, Graham was seen waiting to get into Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.
  • On Friday night, Graham was photographed wandering through the 'Tangled' area of the Magic Kingdom while holding a bubble wand.

The players

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina who has been a vocal supporter of the war in Iran.

Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the House who allowed members of Congress to take a two-week hiatus after failing to find a way forward for funding the Department of Homeland Security.

Steve Witkoff

A presidential adviser that Graham met with in South Florida.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm already back in South Carolina.”

— Lindsey Graham, Senator

“We're going to blow the hell out of these people.”

— Lindsey Graham, Senator

What’s next

The partial government shutdown remains unresolved, leaving thousands of federal workers unpaid. Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, with Graham as a vocal supporter of military action against Iran.

The takeaway

Graham's Disney World trip during the government shutdown and amid rising tensions with Iran has drawn criticism, raising questions about his priorities and the disconnect between lawmakers' leisure activities and the struggles of federal workers and the public during times of crisis.