Sen. Lindsey Graham rejects claims that Trump is a fascist: "Look at the record"

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., flatly rejected the belief by some that former President Donald Trump is a fascist, urging Americans to look at his record, not the rhetoric that is being spoken about this week. 

Graham appeared on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday where he was asked, about retired Gen. John Kelly’s recent claim that Trump “falls into the general definition” of fascist. Kelly, who served in the Department of Homeland Security in the Trump administration and as White House chief of staff, said that Trump praised Adolf Hitler’s generals for their loyalty.

“He’s entitled to his opinion, I just categorically reject it,” Graham said, adding that the comments were made out of “desperation” ahead of the election, according to The Hill. 

Trump was also labeled a fascist this past week by President Biden's White House press secretary, by Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris, and by former first lady and secretary of state Hillary Clinton. 

When further pressed by host Jonathan Karl on other alleged statements by Trump about Hitler, Graham said, “Here’s what I would say to America. President Trump denied that he said that,” adding, “Let’s look at the record rather than the rhetoric.”

Graham also said he categorically rejects the idea that the former president does not have admiration for those who serve in the military.

"[Trump] was a strong leader on the things that matter the most. Whether you like him or not, that's up to you. He's not a fascist. He's not Hitler. And that shows you how desperate this campaign is. You got three retired generals who've been out of the game for a while three weeks before the election, trying to replace joy with fear," Graham said, referring also to Generals Jim Mattis and Mark Milley. 

"And let me say one thing to these generals: I admire you, I respect you, but for 20 years, you were given, and others, billions of dollars to train the Iraqi and the Afghan army, and they folded like a cheap suit. How about a little self-reflection about the job you did before you criticize others?"