- Lindsey Graham said Trump was “ready to go ahead” after his acquittal.
- Graham conceded that Trump is still “angry with some people.”
- Graham said McConnell’s speech on Saturday condemning Trump’s actions could hurt the 2022 GOP.
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GOP senator Lindsey Graham, a top ally of former President Donald Trump, said on Sunday that Trump was “ready to go” after the Senate voted to acquit the former president in its second indictment.
During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday”, the South Carolina Republican told host Chris Wallace that Trump “was grateful to his lawyers” and “he appreciates the help we have all provided.”
Graham added: “He’s ready to join the Republican Party and rebuild. He’s excited about 2022. I’m going to talk to him next week, play some golf in Florida. And I told Mr. President , this MAGA [Make America Great Again] movement must continue. ‘
The attempt to convict Trump of “inciting insurrection” fell short 57-43. A conviction required two-thirds of the Senate or 67 votes.
Read more: Meet the little known power player with the ‘hardest job’ on Capitol Hill. She forms Trump’s indictment and Joe Biden’s agenda.
While Trump is escaping another conviction, Graham said the former president is still “angry with some people”.
Wallace was then asked if Trump was upset about GOP Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who voted to acquit the former president, while also calling him “morally responsible for provoking” the Capitol riots. January 6 considered.
“I think Senator McConnell’s speech, he got a load off his chest, but unfortunately placed a load on the back of the Republicans,” Graham said. “That speech you’ll see in 2022 campaigns. I would think that if you’re a Republican going on in Georgia, Arizona, New Hampshire, where we’re likely to take back the Senate, they might be playing. Senator McConnell’s speech and ask you if you are a candidate. ‘
He added: “I think his speech is an outlier on how Republicans feel about it all.”