In a uncommon show of backbone, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has come out in protection of former Consultant Matt Gaetz (R-FL), urging different RINOs to desert the “lynch mob mentality” over unverified allegations as Gaetz seeks affirmation as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Legal professional Normal.
Graham, who has lengthy been criticized for vacillating between conservative ideas and appeasing moderates, seems to be drawing a line within the sand forward of his 2026 reelection bid.
Chatting with reporters on Tuesday, Graham stated Gaetz shouldn’t be disqualified based mostly on allegations that led to no formal charges throughout a Division of Justice investigation.
“No, no, no. No person must be disqualified due to a media report,” Graham stated, including the ‘bipartisan’ investigation “didn’t proceed ahead.”
WATCH:
BIG: Lindsey Graham defends Matt Gaetz and fact-checks CNN stay. pic.twitter.com/w0cGlY5bV1
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 19, 2024
On Wednesday, Gaetz, who resigned from Congress following his nomination, met with Republican senators to shore up assist for his affirmation.
The assembly comes within the wake of a controversial Home Ethics Committee investigation, which Gaetz has repeatedly dismissed as a politically motivated smear marketing campaign orchestrated by ousted Home Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
As many as 30 Republican senators are reportedly planning to vote in opposition to Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz as Legal professional Normal.
Predictably, the likes of Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins—the left wing of the GOP—have already voiced their opposition. Republican Senator John Cornyn additionally stated he “completely” desires to assessment the Home Ethics Committee’s investigation of Matt Gaetz.
Gaetz, accompanied by Vice President-elect JD Vance (R-OH), has already met with key members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, together with Senators Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley (R-MO), Mike Lee (R-UT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and John Kennedy (R-LA). The Judiciary Committee will play a pivotal position in Gaetz’s affirmation hearings early subsequent 12 months, in line with CBS News.
After assembly with Gaetz, Graham issued a robust rebuke to these prematurely condemning the previous Florida congressman.
“I worry the method surrounding the Gaetz nomination is popping into an offended mob, and unverified allegations are being handled as if they’re true. I’ve seen this film earlier than,” Graham stated.
“I’d urge all of my Senate colleagues, notably Republicans, to not be part of the lynch mob and provides the method an opportunity to maneuver ahead. After years of being investigated by the Division of Justice, no expenses have been introduced in opposition to Matt Gaetz.”
“That is one thing we should always all keep in mind. I’d additionally urge my colleagues to return to a time-tested course of, obtain related info, and provides the nominee an opportunity to make their case as to why they need to be confirmed. This commonplace – which I’ve lengthy adhered to – has served the Senate and nation effectively,” he added.
