“What the Hell Are You Doing?”: Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Fiery Response to Milley’s Trump Criticism
(Photo Credit: Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) lashed out during an intense exchange on Meet the Press after retired Gen. Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called Donald Trump “fascist to the core” in a recent book by journalist Bob Woodward. Graham’s outburst came as host Kristen Welker pressed him on Milley’s damning comments about the former president, leading to a heated back-and-forth.
Welker began the interview by quoting Milley from Woodward’s book. “He told Bob Woodward in a new book, ‘No one has ever been as dangerous to this country as Donald Trump. Now I realize he’s a total fascist, a fascist to the core,’” she read. “Why shouldn’t voters trust Donald Trump’s top general on this, Senator?”
Graham, visibly agitated, avoided addressing Milley’s criticism of Trump directly, choosing instead to pivot the conversation to his fear of another Biden-Harris administration. “You know what I fear? I fear four more years of Biden-Harris policy,” he exclaimed, deflecting the question.
The senator continued, directing his comments toward Milley, “To General Milley, you have a right to your opinion, but I don’t fear Donald Trump! If you want the world to stay on fire, vote for [Kamala Harris].”
Welker, however, didn’t let the conversation shift so easily, reminding Graham of his previous admiration for the retired general. “But Senator, you’ve known General Milley for years. You’ve said you have deep admiration and total confidence,” she pointed out. She also cited former Trump Chief of Staff John Kelly, who previously claimed that Trump had repeatedly told him to use government agencies like the FBI and IRS to target political opponents.
Graham responded with frustration, dismissing these points as “Democratic talking points.” He argued that the real danger to the country wasn’t Trump’s rhetoric but rather the policies of the current administration. “It was their decision to stop energy production, making us more energy independent,” he said.
“Senator, the U.S. is making more energy than ever before,” Welker pushed back, attempting to fact-check his claims in real time. At this point, Graham shifted his frustration toward former Trump officials, including Milley, who have since turned against the former president. He insisted that “the generals” had been wrong about Trump, even though they worked directly for him during his presidency.
“I know—But they worked for President Trump,” Welker interjected, underscoring that these criticisms were coming from former Trump administration officials themselves, not political opponents.
Graham’s frustration boiled over as he addressed Republicans who might support Vice President Kamala Harris in a potential future election. “What the hell are you doing?” he shouted. “You’re supporting the most radical nominee in the history of American politics.”
His anger continued to build, as he ranted against the idea that Trump’s rhetoric was the real danger facing the country. “What are you doing? You’re trying to convince me that Donald Trump’s rhetoric is a danger to this country?” he yelled. “The danger to this country is the policies of Biden and Harris.”
As the interview progressed, Graham’s anger only grew more palpable. “And I can’t take four more years of this crap!” he shouted, emphasizing his frustration with the current administration. “You support her, you’re supporting four more years of garbage policy!”
Welker attempted to move the interview forward, but Graham was not done venting his anger. “So what the hell are you doing as a Republican blessing this stuff?” he exclaimed, clearly frustrated with fellow Republicans who might align themselves with the Biden-Harris administration.
In a chaotic interview that captured Graham’s raw emotions, his fierce defense of Trump and vehement opposition to the current administration’s policies took center stage. The interview showcased not only the divisions within the Republican Party but also the high stakes as the country looks ahead to the 2024 election.
