Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) urged his fellow Republican colleagues on Wednesday to avoid joining what he described as a “lynch mob” calling for former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to withdraw from his nomination to serve as attorney general. The call came in response to ongoing sexual misconduct and drug use allegations against Gaetz, which have not been substantiated by charges.
In a statement released after meeting with Gaetz and Vice President-elect JD Vance, Graham expressed concern that the process surrounding Gaetz’s nomination was turning into a mob mentality, where unverified accusations were being treated as facts. “I fear the process surrounding the Gaetz nomination is turning into an angry mob, and unverified allegations are being treated as if they are true. I have seen this movie before,” Graham remarked, appearing to draw a parallel to the contentious confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.
Kavanaugh faced sexual assault accusations from Christine Blasey Ford, who claimed he attacked her at a high school party in the 1980s. The allegations sparked intense partisan debate, but Kavanaugh was ultimately confirmed to the Supreme Court in a mostly party-line vote.
In his defense of Gaetz, Graham invoked his previous arguments made during the Kavanaugh confirmation, emphasizing that allegations of sexual misconduct against the former congressman remain unproven. “After years of being investigated by the Department of Justice, no charges were brought against Matt Gaetz. This is something we should all remember,” Graham stated.
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Graham also encouraged his Senate colleagues to stick to the established process, allowing Gaetz the opportunity to present his case. “I would also urge my colleagues to go back to a time-tested process, receive relevant information, and give the nominee a chance to make their case as to why they should be confirmed,” he said. “This standard – which I have long adhered to – has served the Senate and country well.”
After his meeting with Gaetz and Vance, Graham reaffirmed his commitment to moving the confirmation process forward in a fair and transparent manner. “This process will not be a rubber stamp nor will it be driven by a lynch mob,” Graham concluded.
