Outrage after Tim Scott uses slur against Dem candidate: 'Such a tool'

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) sparked outrage Monday after he used a slur to describe a Democratic Senate candidate.

Scott was asked about the South Carolina Senate race between Darline Graham, who was appointed to fill the seat left vacant by her late brother Lindsey Graham, and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews. During the interview on "The Charlie Kirk Show," Scott dropped a slur that didn't sit well with observers.

"If Annie Andrews, as President Donald Trump calls her, Tranny Annie, here's a person who believes ... in gender surgery for trans kids," Scott said.

Andrews has spoken out against the Trump administration's attempts to legislate whether biological males can play in women's sports, and attempts to restrict hospitals from performing gender-affirming care for minors.

Scott's comments sparked a firestorm of criticism online.

Journalist John Harwood sharply rebuked Scott for using the slur.

"Such a tool," Harwood posted on X.

Rick Wilson, a former GOP strategist, sounded the alarm about Scott's comments.

"This is dangerous ground that deep on the downlow," he posted on X.

Jessica Riedl, a fellow at the Brookings Institute, also expressed outrage.

"Imagine being a South Carolinian who happens to be transgender. Lawmakers can vote however they want on trans sports or whatever, but would you feel comfortable visiting the office of your elected official who behaves this way? Try representing all your constituents with dignity," she posted on X.