President Donald Trump is the "king of debt," according to former S.C. GOP Gov. Mark Sanford in officially announcing his Republican presidential primary challenge Sunday, saying fiscal conservatism needs to enter the debate for 2020.
"The thing that has been lacking in this debate has been an earnest and real conversation on debt, deficits, and government spending," Sanford told "Fox News Sunday." "I find it astounding to watch the number of Democratic debates that I've seen and no mention, no conversation on where we're going with regard to debt and it's implications for every one of us."
Sanford admits challenging the incumbent president who has a reported 85% support among his party will be tough, particularly considering many states – including his own – will not hold a GOP primary, and the RNC has suspended a primary debate committee.
Still, Sanford, wants to bring fiscal conservatism to the national presidential conversation.
"We are walking our way to the most significant financial storm in our country since the Great Depression," Sanford told host Chris Wallace. "That's what we're walking toward."
Conservatives need a choice that is not a high-tax, high-spending Democrat or a spendthrift Republican like President Trump.
"They haven't had a choice; that is why I am running," Sanford said, pointing to polls saying Republicans would like to see a primary challenge to President Trump.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.