Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) faces mounting criticism from conservatives and Trump allies following his recent visit to Ukraine and controversial statements about congressional action against Russia.
The South Carolina Republican has drawn sharp rebuke for comments suggesting Congress stands ready to act against Russia regardless of President Trump’s position on the matter.
Graham made these remarks during his overseas trip to meet with Ukrainian officials.
Graham indicated that legislative action could proceed without presidential backing in a video circulating on social media platform X.
The senator’s statements have sparked concerns among Trump supporters about potential interference with the administration’s diplomatic approach.
Graham further complicated matters by suggesting that a Russian ceasefire agreement would limit America’s strategic options.
His comments implied that continued conflict might serve certain American interests better than immediate peace negotiations.
The senator’s remarks prompted a fierce response from Steve Bannon, former Trump strategist and host of the War Room podcast.
Bannon issued strong criticism of Graham’s overseas activities and called for immediate action to curtail the senator’s diplomatic efforts.
Bannon demanded that Graham cease his international travel and stop what he characterized as provocative actions in Ukraine.
The podcast host suggested that failure to comply should result in arrest upon Graham’s return to the United States.
Bannon’s criticism intensified following Ukraine’s recent drone attack on Russian military assets.
The operation reportedly destroyed 40 aircraft stationed deep within Russian territory, dealing a significant blow to Russia’s strategic bombing capabilities.
Ukrainian forces executed the drone strike against Russia’s bomber fleet, achieving what military analysts described as a major tactical victory.
The successful operation reportedly boosted morale among Ukrainian troops and demonstrated the country’s evolving military capabilities.
Bannon expressed particular frustration with the drone attack and called for immediate White House condemnation of the Ukrainian action, according to reports from The Hill.
He argued that the administration must distance itself from escalatory military actions to preserve diplomatic options.
The former Trump advisor specifically criticized what he viewed as Graham’s unauthorized diplomatic activities.
Bannon accused the senator of conducting meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky without proper coordination with the Trump administration.
Reports indicate that Graham met with Zelensky on Friday during his Ukraine visit, Trending Politics highlighted.
The meeting occurred as part of Graham’s broader engagement with Ukrainian leadership and his assessment of the ongoing conflict situation.
Bannon characterized Graham’s activities as working against presidential interests and undermining official diplomatic channels.
He suggested that Graham was promising legislative action independent of executive branch coordination.
“Lindsey Graham’s over there saying, ‘Hey, forget Trump. I got the House and the Senate. We’re going to pass it. You’re going to see something in a couple of days,’” Bannon stated during his program.
His comments referenced legislation that Graham has supported targeting Russia and nations that purchase Russian products.
The proposed legislation would impose sanctions on Russia and countries that engage in trade with Russian entities.
Graham has been a vocal advocate for such measures as part of broader efforts to pressure Russia economically.
Graham publicly praised Ukraine’s drone attack through his social media channels.
“The ever-resourceful Ukraine used creative drone warfare tactics to successfully attack Russian bombers and military assets used to kill Ukrainian citizens and destroy their country,” Graham wrote on X.
