A senior ally of President-elect Donald Trump accused CBS “Face the Nation” moderator Margaret Brennan of harboring a bias against the incoming president after she raised questions about his pick to head the FBI.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who was grilled by Brennan on Sunday over past statements made by Kash Patel, blasted the CBS anchor, telling her: “You should worry about reporting the news fairly, which you don’t do when it comes to everything Trump!”
Brennan pressed Graham about a 2022 book in which Patel, author of “Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy,” allegedly listed 60 individuals as “deep state” enemies.
CBS “Face the Nation” moderator Margaret Brennan (left) clashed with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on Sunday’s broadcast. CBS
Graham scolded Brennan, telling her: “You should worry about reporting the news fairly, which you don’t do when it comes to everything Trump!” CBS
The list included high-ranking officials such as FBI Director Christopher Wray, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and former CIA Director Gina Haspel.
“Do you take him at his word that these are an enemies list, and you’re going to put him in a law enforcement role to go after them?” Brennan asked.
Graham dismissed the concerns, asserting that Patel was qualified for the role.
Graham, a Republican who represents South Carolina in the US Senate, is a stalwart ally of President-elect Donald Trump. AP
“I am ready to vote for Kash Patel because you will never ask me about the role he played in exposing the darkest moment of the FBI since J. Edgar Hoover,” Graham said.
In 2016, the FBI launched “Crossfire Hurricane,” a counterintelligence investigation into whether individuals associated with Trump’s presidential campaign were coordinating with Russian efforts to interfere in the election.
Graham praised Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation. REUTERS
Brennan grilled Graham over Patel’s list of “deep state” enemies as listed in his 2023 book. CBS
The Department of Justice’s Inspector General later found that the investigation was justified and not influenced by political bias, though it identified procedural errors.
Despite criticism and scrutiny, the probe played a significant role in subsequent investigations into Russian interference and US election security.
Patel is author of “Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy.” Amazon
The conversation grew more intense when Brennan referenced Patel’s 2023 comments about targeting journalists who “helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections.”
Graham fired back: “You shouldn’t worry about Kash Patel. You should worry about reporting the news fairly, which you don’t do when it comes to everything Trump!”
Patel is seen far left alongside Brendan Carr (center), Trump’s pick to head the Federal Communications Commission, and Donald Trump Jr, the president-elect’s eldest son, on Sunday. Getty Images
As time ran out, Brennan quickly wrapped up the interview.
“Lindsey Graham, you’re a guest on this program because we wanted to hear you out,” she stated.
“And we welcome you back, as we often do, any time to legacy media.”
The Post has sought comment from CBS News, Graham and the Trump transition team.
