Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-time ally of former President Donald Trump, has made striking comparisons between Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort and North Korea, according to Bob Woodward’s upcoming book.
The South Carolina Republican reportedly described visiting Mar-a-Lago as “a little bit like going to North Korea,” noting that “everybody stands up and claps every time Trump comes in.” These revelations come from Woodward’s latest work, set for imminent release.
Graham’s comments shed light on the atmosphere surrounding the former president since leaving office. The senator attributes Trump’s persistent false claims about the 2020 election being rigged to a cult of personality fostered at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump’s inner circle “constantly feed this narrative.”
Despite his criticisms, Graham’s counsel reportedly played a role in Trump’s decision to run for president again. The book details a visit Graham made to Mar-a-Lago the weekend following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, providing insight into the political discussions taking place at Trump’s Florida residence.
Woodward’s book also unveils intriguing details about international communications involving high-profile figures. During a Middle East trip in March, Graham reportedly met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The senator suggested they call Trump, leading to a revealing moment where the Crown Prince produced a burner phone labeled “TRUMP 45” from a bag containing approximately 50 such devices.
In another instance, the Saudi leader retrieved a different burner phone labeled “JAKE SULLIVAN” to contact President Biden’s national security adviser. These anecdotes offer a glimpse into the unconventional communication methods employed at the highest levels of international diplomacy.
The book’s disclosures about Graham’s candid remarks and the Saudi Crown Prince’s communication tactics provide new insights into the complex web of relationships in global politics. They also highlight the ongoing influence of Trump within Republican circles and the international community, even after his departure from office.
Woodward’s work continues to shed light on the inner workings of political power, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at the interactions between key figures in American and world politics.
AP
