Ukraine ally Graham suggests Zelensky be replaced after Trump clash

• "I can't believe most Americans after what they saw today would want to be partners with Zelensky," Graham said. "Ukraine is an important ally."
• "They have fought like tigers. I don't want [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to win. I want to help Ukraine, but it's hard to help people who seem unable to realize the moment they're in."

Catch up quick: The U.S. and Ukrainian leaders' meeting, which was supposed to involve signing a minerals deal, devolved into a heated argument in the Oval Office.

• Prior to the meeting, Trump had softened his harsh tone on Zelensky. The Trump administration has been pushing for a ceasefire in the war between Ukraine and Russia, followed by peace negotiations.
• Zelensky thanked Trump for the meeting in a post on X. "Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that," the Ukrainian president wrote.

Zoom in: Graham said: "I've never been more proud of President Trump for showing the American people and the world — you don't trifle with this man."

• Graham said U.S. adversaries like China and Iran should be "worried" about how Trump stands up for America.

Between the lines: The South Carolina senator said he spoke with Zelensky on Friday morning and urged him to be grateful.

• "I told him this morning, 'Don't take the bait. Don't let the media or anyone else get you into an argument with President Trump. What he's doing today is resetting the relationship,'" Graham said.
• He said Zelensky should apologize to Americans during a planned Friday night appearance on Fox News.

Flashback: Zelensky and Graham spoke earlier this month after Trump falsely claimed Zelensky is "a dictator without elections."

• Zelensky said Graham had been "constructive and doing a lot to help bring peace closer."
• Graham said he told Zelensky to give the U.S. time to work on a solution.

Go deeper: WATCH: Trump-Zelensky meeting boils over in Oval Office