The Republican Party cannot “move forward” without former President Donald Trump, Sen. Lindsey Graham is claiming in a new interview.
Speaking to Fox News’ “Hannity” Thursday evening, Graham (R-SC) made the comments amid internal squabbles over the 45th president’s role in the future of the GOP, coming to a head as Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) appears poised to oust Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) as House GOP Conference chair.
“I would just say to my Republican colleagues, can we move forward without President Trump? The answer is no,” Graham said before bringing up Cheney directly.
“I’ve always liked Liz Cheney, but she’s made a determination that the Republican Party can’t grow with President Trump,” he continued. “I’ve determined we can’t grow without him.”
“If you don’t get that, you’re making the biggest mistake in the history of the Republican Party.”
Cheney is in the fight of her political life as she navigates a flurry of primary challengers for her Wyoming seat over her vote to impeach Trump and her continued rhetoric on the matter.
The No. 3 House Republican survived an attempt to oust her from leadership in February over her impeachment vote.