Sen. Graham Says Trump Arrest Would ‘Blow up Our Country’

Former president Donald Trump’s possible indictment by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg could “blow up our country,” warns Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). During his interview on “Fox & Friends” on March 21, Graham criticizes Bragg’s probe into Trump’s 2016 payment to an adult entertainment performer, Stormy Daniels, and denounces the DA’s forthcoming indictment of Trump as the first-ever of a former U.S. president.

Graham also calls out Bragg for what he considers his inability to handle political pressure. Bragg’s campaign for Manhattan DA in 2021 received funding from a political donor who had publicly criticized the former DA’s decision not to prosecute Trump. Bragg is a “George Soros-backed prosecutor,” said Graham, and “can’t take the heat.”

Trump said on his social media site that he anticipates being arrested soon over the $130,000 payment from his former personal attorney Michael Cohen to Daniels. No charges have been formally lodged against the ex-president, and Trump’s lawyer believes the Truth Social post is based on media’s speculation.

Focus on the Investigation

The investigation focuses on Trump’s business company regarding the $130,000 that Cohen returned to Trump. He allegedly spent the money on a hush-money payment to Daniels. The affair between the two is broadly denied. Cohen pleaded guilty to multiple criminal charges related to the payment, including campaign finance violations. 

Trump has denied Cohen’s testimony and has referred to him as a “damaged” witness. Cohen communicated with prosecutors investigating the Manhattan DA case and testified to the grand jury in March, who is considered a significant witness in Trump’s case.

While the investigation is still ongoing, high-profile GOP lawmakers and supporters of Trump have criticized it, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). He accused Bragg of misusing his office and of having different regulations when it comes to prosecuting political opponents.