Has Lindsey Graham flipped on Trump?
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is calling for a Senate investigation into President Trump’s decision to end the personal security details of his former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, and other high-profile former officials like Mike Pompeo. Bolton had been granted Secret Service protection due to serious threats against his life, particularly from Iran, after clashes with the Trump administration during his tenure.
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Graham emphasized that the U.S. government has an obligation to protect those who have served in key national security roles, especially after they’ve taken actions that have placed them in direct opposition to adversarial foreign powers. In this case, Bolton’s outspoken stance on Iran and his role in shaping U.S. policy there had made him a target.
Graham argued that regardless of personal feelings toward individuals like Bolton, it is essential for the Senate to intervene and determine the rationale behind the removal of their security details. “When you serve this country in a high position and confront threats on behalf of the nation, we cannot just leave you exposed,” Graham said during the interview. He further pointed out that protecting our national security officials—whether or not one agrees with their political views—is critical for national security and the recruitment of qualified individuals in the future.
The senator noted that Senate Intelligence Committee Chair, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), had confirmed the legitimacy of the threats against Bolton and others in similar positions. Graham stressed the importance of ensuring that such decisions do not put people at unnecessary risk, potentially dissuading future leaders from stepping into those challenging roles. He also raised concerns about the potential consequences if a former official were to be harmed or killed, suggesting that President Trump must carefully consider the long-term ramifications of such decisions.
Ultimately, Graham made it clear that the Senate should not shy away from this issue. If we expect to keep our government functioning at the highest level, we must demonstrate a commitment to protecting those who have made significant sacrifices on behalf of the American people.