While South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham has long been known as a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, he recently leveled criticism at the Republican frontrunner.
According to The Washington Times, Graham took issue with remarks Trump made regarding the Iranian-backed terror group Hamas.
"Two nights ago, I read all of Biden’s security people, can you imagine, national defense people, and they said, 'Gee, I hope Hezbollah doesn’t attack from the north, because that’s the most vulnerable spot," The New Republic quoted Trump as saying at a West Palm Beach gathering earlier this month.
"You know Hezbollah is very smart, they’re all very smart," the former president went on to add.
Those statements didn't go over well with Graham, who voiced his displeasure during an interview this weekend on NBC’s "Meet the Press."
"That was a huge mistake," the Times quoted Graham as telling host Kristen Welker. The senator also objected to Trump's criticism of Israeli Prime Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it was "not helpful."
However, Graham did praise Trump's record in office, noting he had done "a lot — he recognized Israel, Jerusalem as the capital. He recognized Golan Heights as part of Israel. He put in place Abraham Accords."
Trump's comments were quickly seized upon by opponents, including the Lincoln Project, a group co-founded by former Republican operative and alleged sexual predator John Weaver.
Trump hates our military and praises Hezbollah. That's it, that's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/BHthTjoQtE
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) October 16, 2023
Politico reported that other Republicans were bothered as well, including New York Rep. Mike Lawler, who also appeared on "Meet the Press."
"Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, the greatest state sponsor of terrorism, these are states and entities that are focused on wiping Israel off the face of the earth. This is a fight of good versus evil," he declared.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp spoke up as well, condemning Trump in a post put up on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
"Women, children, elderly, Israelis, and Americans alike have been slaughtered by these evil terrorists," Kemp declared.
Women, children, elderly, Israelis, and Americans alike have been slaughtered by these evil terrorists.
It is never acceptable to praise deranged murderers or undermine one of our closest allies in their darkest hour. https://t.co/6tRldrZvrc
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) October 12, 2023
"It is never acceptable to praise deranged murderers or undermine one of our closest allies in their darkest hour," the governor insisted.
