Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) wants Donald Trump to work with Congress on a sanctions package against Russia rather than continuing to deflect questions about Russia’s interference in the U.S. election.
“Here’s the way the process works. I wish he would work with Congress to give him leverage to push back against Russia,” Graham said. “I appreciate the fact he won the election. The campaign’s over. He beat me, he beat everybody. I want to help him become successful. We’ve got a lot of areas of agreement. Our problem’s with Russia, and I hope we can bridge the gap.”
Graham’s comments came after Trump’s first press conference in months, in which he acknowledged Russia was behind the election hacks but continued to downplay the threat and embraced any affinity Vladimir Putin might have for him as an asset.
Graham said his ultimate goal was to get Trump to support bipartisan efforts in Congress to penalize Russia with new sanctions.
“What I hope to happen is the President come around to the idea that new sanctions are deserved. New sanctions are necessary,” Graham said.
