Lindsey Graham Issues Strong Defense of Stephen Miller Amid GOP Criticism
In a notable televised appearance, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) delivered a robust defense of Stephen Miller, a key adviser to former President Donald Trump, while directly addressing growing discontent within Republican ranks. Graham emphasized that Trump's allegiance to Miller remains steadfast and unshakeable, dismissing internal party critiques as misguided.
Graham's Firm Stance on Trump's Loyalty
During an interview on the Fox News program "Hannity," Graham cautioned fellow Republicans who view Miller as a political liability. "As to Stephen Miller, to my colleagues who believe that you can convince Donald Trump that Stephen Miller is a liability for him, good luck with that," Graham stated unequivocally. He further predicted that Miller would be among the few individuals to remain closely aligned with Trump beyond his presidency, underscoring the depth of their relationship.
Shifting Blame to Sanctuary Cities
Rather than attributing political challenges to Miller, Graham redirected focus toward sanctuary cities, labeling them as the core problem. "So I want everybody to know on the Republican side that Stephen Miller is not the problem. Sanctuary cities is the problem," he asserted. This comment highlights a strategic pivot in Republican discourse, aiming to consolidate party messaging around immigration enforcement issues.
Escalating Republican Criticism of Miller
The defense comes amid heightened Republican scrutiny of Miller, particularly following controversial federal actions in Minneapolis. Outrage has mounted over the shootings of two protesters demonstrating against Trump's deployment of federal officers for immigration roundups. Miller, widely regarded as an architect of Trump's stringent immigration policies, has faced direct rebukes from several party members.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) publicly criticized Miller this week, referencing prior incidents and recent statements. "This guy, after doing the stupid comments he made about Greenland, getting the president in a difficult circumstance, is one of the people that came out publicly and said that [second Minneapolis shooting victim Alex Pretti] was a terrorist before he had even talked with anybody on the ground, and that’s clearly not the case now," Tillis remarked. He added, "...Stephen Miller never fails to live up to my expectations of incompetence."
Concerns Over Political Fallout
Further criticism emerged from Florida state Representative Ileana Garcia, who previously served in Trump's Department of Homeland Security. Garcia condemned the administration's response to Pretti's shooting as "abhorrent" and expressed concerns about broader electoral consequences. In an interview with The New York Times, she warned, "I do think that [Trump] will lose the midterms because of Stephen Miller." This sentiment reflects deepening anxieties within the GOP regarding Miller's influence and its potential impact on future elections.
The ongoing debate underscores significant divisions within the Republican Party, as figures like Graham advocate for unwavering support of Trump's inner circle, while others voice apprehensions about strategic direction and public perception.
