What's happened
Senator Lindsey Graham publicly disagreed with President-elect Donald Trump's assertion that members of the January 6 committee should be jailed. This statement comes amid Trump's plans to pardon January 6 insurrectionists and his ongoing criticism of the committee's investigation into the Capitol attack.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Graham stated, 'No,' when asked if he agreed with Trump's assertion that January 6 committee members should go to jail. This contrasts with Trump's earlier comments on NBC's Meet the Press, where he insisted that those involved in the investigation should face imprisonment. The Guardian highlighted Graham's occasional willingness to disagree with Trump while remaining a staunch ally, suggesting a complex relationship. Liz Cheney, a former committee member, responded to Trump's threats by emphasizing the importance of accountability and the rule of law, stating, 'Donald Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election and seize power.' This ongoing dialogue reflects the broader tensions within the Republican Party regarding Trump's influence and the legacy of January 6.
How we got here
Following the January 6 Capitol attack, a bipartisan committee investigated the events leading to the riot, which Trump has criticized. Trump recently stated that committee members should face jail time, a claim Graham has rejected, highlighting a rare divergence in their views.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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Elizabeth Lynne Cheney is an American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Wyoming's at-large congressional district since 2017. Cheney is the House Republican Conference Chair, the third-highest position in GOP House leadership.
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Lindsey Olin Graham is an American politician, affiliated to the Republican Party, who serves as the senior United States Senator from South Carolina, a seat he has held since 2003.