Aug 16, 2017 - Politics & Policy

Graham to Trump: "Your words are dividing Americans"

Shane Savitsky

In a statement, Sen. Lindsey Graham criticized President Trump's press conference on Charlottesville, urging Trump to bring the country together and telling him that his "words are dividing Americans."

On Charlottesville: Graham rejected Trump's "moral equivalency" between white nationalist groups and protesters like Heather Heyer, saying that he is committed to fighting back against the notion that the GOP "has a welcome mat out for the David Dukes of the world."

At the same time: Trump tweeted about Heyer's memorial service, calling her "a truly special young woman" who will be "long remembered by all."

Graham's full statement:

"Mr. President, I encourage you to try to bring us together as a nation after this horrific event in Charlottesville. Your words are dividing Americans, not healing them.

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Through his statements yesterday, President Trump took a step backward by again suggesting there is moral equivalency between the white supremacist neo-Nazis and KKK members who attended the Charlottesville rally and people like Ms. Heyer. I, along with many others, do not endorse this moral equivalency.

Many Republicans do not agree with and will fight back against the idea that the Party of Lincoln has a welcome mat out for the David Dukes of the world.

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Finally, my thoughts and prayers will be the family and friends of Ms. Heyer as they remember and honor her today. [sic]"

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Graham to Trump: "Your words are dividing Americans"

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