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Lindsey Graham threatens to testify FBI if Dems demand witnesses at Trump's trial, Internet says 'bring it on'

'The second impeachment of Donald Trump is not wearing well over time. Democrats are in a box,' Graham told Fox News

Lindsey Graham has warned that Senate Republicans will rope in the FBI to testify in former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial if Democrats call in witnesses and thus open “a can of worms." The Senator from South Carolina was criticizing impeachment proceedings against Trump during an appearance on Fox News Monday evening. “The second impeachment of Donald Trump is not wearing well over time. Democrats are in a box,” he said. While Senate Minority Leader McConnell has been rather tight-lipped about his stance on impeachment, Graham offered a glimpse into McConnell's current position on the matter just days away from the trial. “I had a great meeting with Sen. McConnell today, I think every Republican sees the House process as an affront to the presidency and due process,” he told Fox News.

Graham, who has served as the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee since 2019, was also asked about the constitutionality of impeaching a former president. “Sen. McConnell basically told the Republican conference exactly what you just said. He was offended by the process in the House," he responded.

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Trump was impeached by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives in a 232-197 vote one week after the Capitol riot. The former president was charged with a single article of impeachment for "inciting an insurrection." But as the impeachment proceedings continue next week, Graham has warned of a drawn-out trial if Democrats call even one witness to the Senate floor.

“If you open that can of worms, we’ll want the FBI to come in and tell us about how people pre-planned this attack and what happened with the security footprint at the Capitol," he said, adding: “You open up Pandora’s Box if you call one witness."

Trump's critics on social media appeared to agree with Graham and challenged the Republican Senator to "bring in the FBI." "Does @LindseyGrahamSC honestly think we fear a long trial with witnesses and the FBI's involvement? Seriously? Bring it on Lindsey. Let's find out exactly who was involved in planning the insurrection," photographer Hamish Mitchell tweeted. 

"Lindsey Graham is acting like we don't want to hear from the FBI, like witnesses are a bad thing. BRING IN THE FBI. The ONLY people scared of that are insurrectionists and the complicit pearl clutchers who helped them," another user added. "AOC's IG confirmed what we already knew. The MAGA terrorists were dead-set on assassinating members of Congress. Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, and Josh Hawley want America to move on so they can plan their next attack and do it again. Sedition has consequences. Bring in the FBI," a third wrote.

"Open Pandora's Box. Do it. Bring in the FBI, and prosecute everyone that participated in the insurrection. Leave no stone unturned. @LindseyGrahamSC," Playboy reporter Brian Karem added.

Graham, however, drew backlash from Republicans on Tuesday as he defended Congresswoman Liz Cheney amid a push to remove her as chair of the House Republican Conference following her vote to impeach Trump. "I believe @RepLizCheney is one of the strongest and most reliable conservative voices in the Republican Party," Graham said on Twitter. "She is a fiscal and social conservative, and no one works harder to ensure that our military is well prepared."

Trump supporters lashed out at Graham, accusing him of being "two-faced" and flip-flopping on the issue of impeachment. "I'm suffering from whiplash, @LindseyGrahamSC. Please choose which side of history you want to be part of. Trump's side or that of @RepLizCheney. You can't have your cake and eat it too," one wrote.

"Yet another one showing his true colors. Most two-faced people do it on the sly. You, Sir, put it right out there. Thank you for being transparent. We SEE RIGHT THROUGH YOU," another added. "How long before you flip on your support of Cheney, Graham? I guess she should be prepared for you to say she’s the devil tomorrow, eh?" a third chimed in.