By David B. Wheeler, American Muckrakers
October 14, 2025
WASHINGTON – New details are emerging about Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) early military career, raising questions about a long-rumored personal relationship that could clash with his public stance opposing LGBTQ+ legal protections, United States Air Force regulations, and whether he allegedly violated the law by paying a college student for companionship or sex.
Sources close to the investigation tell American Muckrakers that Graham, then a captain in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, maintained a regular “weekend companion” a UNC Asheville student named Paul Folger during 1983-1984.
Eyewitness accounts from dorm residents describe Graham arriving Fridays “like clockwork” to pick up Folger, then the resident advisor in Moore Dorm, for trips to cities like Charleston, Charlotte, or Savannah; all amid the prelude to Desert Storm in 1990. They would sometimes drive to the weekend get-aways or fly from Asheville, NC, airport.
Folger, now 58, has built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism. He anchors evening newscasts at KSTP-TV (ABC affiliate) in Minneapolis, a role he’s held since 2018 after stints in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Jacksonville, Florida. A North Carolina native and UNC Asheville graduate, Folger has declined comment on the allegations and, based upon our reporting, no allegations of wrongdoing have ever been leveled against Mr. Folger.
The revelations come as Graham, a vocal defender of “traditional values” and opponent of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal, faces renewed scrutiny over his 33-year Air Force tenure, including reports of minimal reserve duties and potential ethical lapses.
American Muckrakers is pursuing additional witnesses and records, including possible grounds for a U.S. Air Force review of his actions. Additional reporting is forthcoming. Stay tuned to our Substack posts, @AmericanMuck on X, and MUCK YOU! podcast.
American Muckrakers reached out to both Mr. Folger and Senator Graham for comments, but did not receive a response.
This is a developing story. American Muckrakers stands by its sources.
Damn! Happened right under my Asheville nose. Who’d a thunk it? Lindsey is so far back in his closet though I’m not sure he’ll ever grope his way out at this point.