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Salon
Salon
Politics
Marin Scotten

Lindsey Graham says Trump not "fascist"

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., wouldn't stop repeating "I think he's wrong" in an NBC interview on Sunday after he was asked about retired Army Gen. Mark Milley’s assessment that former President Donald Trump is a "fascist."

Milley, who was the top general during the Trump administration. revealed his opinion of the 78-year-old in Bob Woodward’s new book, “War.” 

“No one has ever been as dangerous to this country as Donald Trump,” Milley told Woodward. “Now I realize he’s a total fascist. He is the most dangerous person to this country.”

When asked what he thought about Milley’s comments on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Graham quickly pivoted to criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris’ policies — but not before taking a dig at Milley’s leadership.

“He has the right to his opinion, but this is the man who oversaw 20 years of training of the Afghan-Iraqi army that folded like a cheap suit,” Graham told NBC host Kristen Welker. “I like General Milley, but I disagree with him. You know what I fear? I fear four more years of  Biden-Harris policy,” Graham added, before criticizing Harris’ policy stance on Israel, Ukraine and the border. 

“If you want the world to stay on fire, vote for her,” Graham argued.

Graham had previously praised Milley as late as 2020, including after the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he regretted appearing alongside Trump for a campaign photo op at Lafayette Square. “General Milley is a tremendous military leader who understands the long tradition of maintaining an apolitical, nonpartisan military,” Graham said at the time.

On Sunday, when Welcher tried to redirect the conversation to Milley’s more recent comments, mentioning Graham’s previous admiration for the general, the senator lost it.

“I think he’s wrong, I think he’s wrong,” Graham repeated, cutting off Welcher’s question. She also brought up remarks from Trump’s former Chief of Staff John Kelly, who said Trump told him to use the FBI and IRS to “go after people.” 

“I think they’re wrong,” Graham repeated at least four more times.

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