Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that criminal charges against former President Donald Trump are “political charges.”
Host Dana Bash said, “During oral arguments Thursday at the Supreme Court, Trump’s lawyers argued that unless impeached and convicted, the former president who ordered the military to carry out the coup should be prosecuted.” He suggested that it was not.” Do you agree with that? “
“I think the court will find that presidential privilege exists for President Trump, as it does for other presidents, but it has to be within the qualifications of the president,” Graham said. I think it’s going to go back to the lower courts to find out exactly what actions fall under presidential privilege. It will be done.”
“So it sounds to me like you’re saying that scenario doesn’t warrant immunity, but is that a scenario, an attempted coup?” Bash said.
Graham said, “There is no absolute immunity. There are certainly immunity, but there is no absolute immunity in the Constitution. It becomes a legal analysis. The president needs to be protected. We are here to We’re not going to be a banana republic where we prosecute political opponents, but that’s what’s happening in many jurisdictions.”
He concluded: “I think all of these trials are political. I think it’s selective prosecution. I think what’s going on in New York is outrageous. In the case eight years ago, they were only for Trump. I think this is selective prosecution for political purposes.”
Graham added: “I think this is all a political issue.”
Mr Bash said: “Would you still support him if he was convicted?”
Graham responded, “That’s right. I think what’s happening with Donald Trump is the weaponization of the law.”
He concluded: “I think most people are ignoring this. They’re going to focus on their own problems. There aren’t that many lawsuits that liberals have filed against Sump.”
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