This is the transcript from an interview with Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican representing South Carolina, aired on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on March 16, 2025.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to Face the Nation. Now we’ll speak with the chairman of the Budget Committee, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, joining us from Clemson, South Carolina. It’s great to have you back.
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM: Thank you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There was a close call with a government shutdown, and while I expected to discuss more domestic policies, it seems President Trump’s focus has been abroad this past week—lots of developments. Last time we spoke, you were advocating for President Trump to take military action against Iran, stating there’s “a one in a trillion chance you’ll degrade the Iranian nuclear program through diplomacy.” Now, with Trump suggesting negotiations, are you reconsidering your position?
SEN. GRAHAM: I’m open to negotiations as long as they lead to our shared goal: Iran cannot possess a nuclear bomb. I still believe there’s an incredibly slim chance that the Ayatollah would genuinely abandon his nuclear ambitions. He seeks a nuclear weapon to use against Israel and others; his intentions are clear. Let’s try talking, and if he’s sincere, he should cease uranium enrichment. There are many countries with nuclear power that don’t enrich. Enriching uranium at 60% has no commercial purpose, and Iran has enough to create six bombs at that level. If he hands that over to the international community, we will assist with their nuclear power program, and I will accept being wrong about the situation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That’s quite a lengthy checklist, and thus far, there’s been no sign he’s accepting the terms.
SEN. GRAHAM: — Exactly—if you wish to avoid bombing, then stop enrichment. Nuclear power does not require enrichment; it’s enrichment that leads to bomb-making. It’s straightforward.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood. We’ve also seen further Russian strikes in Ukraine recently. As a supporter of Ukraine, what are your thoughts after hearing from the Secretary of State and Ambassador Witkoff? Is Putin stalling, trying to manipulate President Trump?
SEN. GRAHAM: I can’t say for certain yet, but underestimating Trump would be a mistake. His strategy with Ukraine was tough but effective. If Putin genuinely seeks peace, he must agree to a ceasefire under the same terms as Ukraine and stop conflating a ceasefire with peace talks. I recommend the Trump administration ask Putin if he will accept those terms; if not, we revert to a strategy of maximum pressure. I have legislation in place that will overwhelmingly pass in the Senate to severely diminish the Russian economy, and I’m prepared to move forward if necessary. We’re talking ceasefire and peace now, unlike during the last administration. To me, Putin’s a predator; his actions over the last 30 years tell us all we need to know about him, and I don’t see him stopping until the consequences become unbearable.
MARGARET BRENNAN: –Do you have–
SEN. GRAHAM: If he rejects the ceasefire, that says everything we need to know.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you believe President Trump would endorse the sanctions legislation you mentioned against Russia? He hasn’t imposed significant sanctions thus far.
SEN. GRAHAM: I think he’s awaiting the response from discussions involving Witkoff, who I respect and appreciate. Trump will likely speak to Putin this week. You can’t resolve a problem without addressing the individual causing it, and that’s Putin. He poses a threat to Ukraine and the entire region. I hope Trump can persuade Putin to consider a ceasefire, aiming for a mutually beneficial solution to end the violence. It’s worth attempting, and President Trump is the person to do it. If Putin is trying to outsmart Trump, it will end poorly for him.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you think Vladimir Putin gains from the US decision to suppress certain advocates for free press, like Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, and Voice of America? There’s been an executive order aimed at dismantling them.
SEN. GRAHAM: Yes, I’m uncertain about the effectiveness of these entities in today’s context. While I appreciate that Radio Free Europe played a pivotal role during the Cold War, we must evaluate its current worth. However, the notion of putting authoritarian figures on the defensive and offering hope remains pivotal.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You have been a proponent of soft power. Let’s turn our attention home. The President issued more executive orders this week targeting top law firms, including Paul Weiss, aiming to restrict their activities even after a federal judge found similar actions unconstitutional. He also suspended security clearances at the firm and removed clearances from lawyers at Covington & Burling for their involvement in representing former Special Counsel Jack Smith. What’s your stance on this?
SEN. GRAHAM: I view these actions as appropriate. I think Jack Smith’s prosecution efforts were politically charged. Many should have faced penalties for their roles in the Russian investigation, which was fabricated. The Steele Dossier is based on false information from a source who stated it was not meant for such purpose. I believe Smith’s prosecution of Trump concerning January 6 has political motivations behind it, and I don’t mind the President pursuing legal repercussions against those trying to undermine him.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is this approach lawful?
SEN. GRAHAM: I believe it is.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is this beneficial for the US legal system? It seems the President is using government authority to penalize private firms due to their legal work.
SEN. GRAHAM: Many private entities aided officials in a manner that sought to derail Trump’s life. Our constituents believe that the Justice Department was weaponized to destroy Trump politically and personally. Charges were fabricated to dismantle his campaign and family. If these individuals face consequences, they have only themselves to blame for their actions.
MARGARET BRENNAN: –However, these are lawyers involved in particular cases. Your phrasing implies their work equates to a conspiracy that warrants punishment.
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM: I believe these law firms were promoting legal arguments aimed at political outcomes rather than genuine legal processes. We can debate the accountability of lawyers for their clients’ actions, but…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM: I generally oppose that principle, but in this instance, I see Smith utilizing government resources to involve these law firms in a campaign to undermine the Republican presidential nominee. This feels orchestrated, and it seems Biden regretted not acting sooner. The motivations are political, and I hope those involved face ramifications.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator, recognizing your role on the Judiciary Committee…
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM: And my stance remains unchanged—
MARGARET BRENNAN: –It’s important to obtain your perspective, but I must conclude our discussion here today. Thank you for your time.
