Lindsey Graham says GOP can’t ‘move forward’ without Trump

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The Republican Party cannot “move forward” without former President Trump, Sen. Lindsey Graham is claiming in a new interview.

Speaking to Fox News’ “Hannity” Thursday evening, Graham (R-SC) made the comments amid internal squabbles over the 45th president’s role in the future of the GOP, coming to a head as Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) appears poised to oust House GOP Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) in leadership.

“I would just say to my Republican colleagues, can we move forward without President Trump? The answer is no,” Graham said before bringing up Cheney directly.

“I’ve always liked Liz Cheney, but she’s made a determination that the Republican Party can’t grow with President Trump,” he continued, “I’ve determined we can’t grow without him.”

“If you don’t get that, you’re making the biggest mistake in the history of the Republican Party.”

Cheney is in the fight of her political life as she navigates a flurry of primary challengers for her Wyoming seat over her vote to impeach Trump and her continued rhetoric on the matter.

The No. 3 House Republican survived an attempt to oust her from leadership in February over her impeachment vote.

Her standing with GOP colleagues has weakened since then, as members grew frustrated with her continued comments regarding the former president and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Her split with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on the scope of a 9/11-style commission on the riot, as well as her revealing exclusively to The Post that she was mulling a 2024 White House bid, also drew the ire of leadership.

McCarthy was caught on a hot mic Tuesday afternoon stating, “I think she’s got real problems. I’ve had it with … I’ve had it with her. You know, I’ve lost confidence.”

While declining to make his support for Stefanik public, Punchbowl News reported Wednesday that the 36-year-old New York Republican was receiving McCarthy’s help behind closed doors.

Aside from McCarthy, Stefanik also has the backing of House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and former President Trump.

In a statement to The Post on Wednesday, Scalise spokeswoman Lauren Fine explained the decision as one about keeping Republicans’ priorities in check.

“House Republicans need to be solely focused on taking back the House in 2022 and fighting against Speaker Pelosi and President Biden’s radical socialist agenda, and Elise Stefanik is strongly committed to doing that, which is why Whip Scalise has pledged to support her for Conference Chair.”

Later Wednesday, Trump released a statement expressing his support for Stefanik in the No. 3 role, and also blasting Cheney.

“Liz Cheney is a warmongering fool who has no business in Republican Party Leadership. We want leaders who believe in the Make America Great Again movement, and prioritize the values of America First,” he said. “Elise Stefanik is a far superior choice, and she has my COMPLETE and TOTAL Endorsement for GOP Conference Chair. Elise is a tough and smart communicator!”

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