Graham’s comments come as most Senate Republicans are expected to acquit Trump on Saturday at the conclusion of his second impeachment trial. Graham maintained close contact with the former president and spoke to him on Friday morning before his defense lawyers introduced himself.
The consequences of the January 6 uprising opened the Republican Party’s divisions towards Trump. Party leaders and ordinary members are struggling to know how much influence the former president should have. Many Republicans have condemned his rhetoric, but few are distancing themselves from it.
Trump made it clear that he plans to remain active in Republican politics. He threatened Republicans in the primaries who did not support him, including Senate Minority Whip John Thune (RS.D.), and is considering a possible presidential run again in 2024.
“Trump has to work with everyone,” said Graham. “You have to put your best team on the field. If it’s about revenge and chasing people you don’t like, we’ll have a problem. If it comes to putting your best team on the field, we have a good chance of returning. “