Lindsey Graham doing a swift 180 on his initially negative assessment of beleaguered Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth gave the internet whiplash.
Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran, was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to join his cabinet as Secretary of Defense days after Trump won the 2024 election for a second non-consecutive term.
But when news of Hegseth's history with alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct allegations came to light, GOP Senators who were already skeptical of the former Fox and Friends weekend co-host's qualifications began expressing dismay and the likelihood of selecting him for the potential cabinet position.
One of the allegations against Hegseth came from a woman who claimed she had nonconsensual sex with the then-Fox host in 2017, which Hegseth denied. He subsequently paid the accuser in a settlement with a non-disclosure agreement to avoid jeopardizing his job at Fox.
Hegseth also oversaw a toxic work environment at a veterans organization where a whistleblower claimed top staff members sexually pursued female employees. A lawyer dismissed the report obtained by The New Yorker as "outlandish claims" from a "disgruntled former associate."
On Tuesday, Graham, the GOP South Carolina senior Senator and ardent Trump supporter, called all of the accusations "very disturbing."
However, he dramatically flip-flopped his stance by Wednesday.
Graham appeared on Fox News's Hannity and was dismissive of the allegations leveled at Hegseth from anonymous accusers, saying, "It doesn't count."
Said Graham:
"The allegations against Pete are all anonymous sources. I am not going to make ANY decision based on an anonymous source."
“If you’re not willing to raise your hand, under oath, and make the accusation, it doesn’t count."
“I’ve heard everything about all of these people, none of it counts, no rumors, no innuendo."
Graham claimed that all the news reports breaking the story regarding the Senate "confirmation drama" was a ploy orchestrated by the Democrats to deflect on discussing border policies and tax cuts.
He added, "Allegations that are anonymous don't count."
In response, independent journalist Aaron Rupar shared a clip from the interview and asked, "How about the allegations from Hegseth's mom?" referring to the email exchange between Hegseth and his mother, Penelope Hegseth, obtained by The New York Times.
The correspondence took place during the former Fox host's divorce proceedings from his second wife. In the private messages, Penelope Hegseth berated her "despicable" son for his constant mistreatment of women.
She immediately retracted her claims and expressed regret for sending the email.
The New York Times broke the story on Friday amidst reports of Hegseth's sexual assault allegations coming to light following his selection by Trump to run the Pentagon.
"Allegations that are anonymous don't count" -- Lindsey Graham (How about the allegations from Hegseth's mom?)
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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) December 4, 2024 at 6:57 PM
Social media users continued admonishing Graham.
We don’t need any anonymous allegations. We have his MOTHER Lindsey.
— Sue Ellen Mishky (@sueellenm.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 11:57 AM
Why does anyone even care what Graham says on the rare occasions when his lips come off Trump’s butt?
— profgijoe.bsky.social (@profgijoe.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 12:32 PM
Believing that anonymous allegations don’t count is the foundation of his entire secret life. This is of existential importance to Lindsey.
— andyspags.bsky.social (@andyspags.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 12:41 PM
This is another way of saying accusers must come forward so they can be harassed and threatened.
— Call me Trixie (@trixienorton.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 6:52 AM
Will he ever get over his love for Trump? Someone needs to break it to him, it’s never going to be what he wants, he will never become First Lady but Trump will lead him on and let him think there’s a chance as long as Miss Graham gives him what he wants
— Michelle (@michelletmc11.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 12:09 PM
Oh my GOD, of COURSE Lindsey thinks "Allegations that are anonymous don't count." He's basically a giant garbage bag full of anonymous allegations wrapped in an ill-fitting suit.
— Max Burbank (@mxburbank.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 6:06 AM
If only Hannity reached out to Graham on Tuesday.
Before Wednesday's Hannity interview, Graham told a CBS reporter that all of the sexual misconduct allegations surrounding the potential Secretary of Defense nominee were "very disturbing."
“Some of this stuff is going to be difficult. Some of the things have to be addressed.”
Graham's remarks came the same day Hegseth met with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill following his allegations coming to light.
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