Sen. Graham: Trump silence on election meddling at Russia summit a ‘sign of weakness’
Sen. Lindsey Graham has frequently and proudly insisted he’s an ally of President Donald Trump, just like so many other congressional Republicans. But Trump Monday suddenly made it tough for the hawkish, outspoken South Carolina Republican to stay friendly.
Graham was quick to forcefully react immediately after a joint press conference with Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling Trump’s comments a “bad day” for the United States that “can” and “must be fixed.”
After a controversial meeting and press conference between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump, S.C. Sen Lindsey Graham sounded off on what he called a “missed opportunity.”
Graham joined the ranks of dissenters across the country up in arms after Trump refused to say whether he sided with Putin — who denied once again meddling in the 2016 election — or his own intelligence communities.
“Missed opportunity by President Trump to firmly hold Russia accountable for 2016 meddling and deliver a strong warning regarding future elections,” Graham tweeted. “This answer by President Trump will be seen by Russia as a sign of weakness and create far more problems than it solves.”
Trump’s comments sparked outrage, especially after 12 Russian intelligence agents were indicted on charges related to election interference Friday. That interference included hacking the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton campaign.
The charges were part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Russian Collusion in the 2016 election, a query Trump and allies often call a “witch hunt.”
During the summit in Helsinki, Putin also gifted his American counterpart with a soccer ball from the World cup, saying “Now the ball is in your court.” Russia hosted the World Cup this year, and the U.S. will co-host in 2026.
Graham sounded off on the gift as well.
“Finally, if it were me, I’d check the soccer ball for listening devices and never allow it in the White House,” he Tweeted.
This story was originally published July 16, 2018 at 2:15 PM.