Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) offered no quarter to Republicans who dare to defy President Donald Trump, commenting on Sen. Bill Cassidy's (R-La.) stunning primary defeat during Sunday's 'Meet the Press.'
Trump's Grip on GOP Voters
Trump's hold over Republican voters proved unshaken as Cassidy, one of the few GOP senators who voted to impeach Trump for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, finished a distant third in Saturday's primary. Trump's endorsed candidate, Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.), and State Treasurer John Fleming will face off in November's runoff.
Cassidy, whom Trump branded a 'disloyal disaster' and 'sleaze bag' in a Truth Social post on election day, became the first Republican Senate incumbent to lose renomination since 2012.
Graham's Warning
During his 'Meet the Press' appearance, Graham told moderator Kristen Welker that Cassidy's ouster was a fitting consequence for attempting to 'destroy' Trump's political career.
'He voted to impeach President Trump, which would have ruined his political life. He could have never run for office again,' the South Carolina senator said. He added that any politician who 'stands in the way' of the MAGA agenda will face defeat.
Graham predicted a similar fate for Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie (R) in Tuesday's primary, stating, 'You can disagree with President Trump, but if you try to destroy him, you're gonna lose because this is the party of Donald Trump.'
Other Reactions
Cassidy's fellow Louisiana Republican, Sen. John Kennedy (R), called the downfall 'predictable' in a Sunday Fox News interview, noting that polls had shown the moderate in 'trouble' and that Trump's endorsement of Letlow was the 'icing on the cake.'
Trump himself thanked Louisiana voters on social media Sunday, celebrating Cassidy's defeat and writing it was 'nice to see that his political career is OVER!'
